Saudi Gazette report

MANAMA — King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has lauded the strategic relations and strong partnership between Bahrain and the United States, Bahrain News Agency reported on Wednesday.

King Hamad praised the steady progress of cooperation across various fields, especially regarding military coordination and defense cooperation between Bahrain and the US, as two friendly countries and allies with deep-rooted relations.

The Bahraini monarch made the statements while receiving US Defense Secretary, Mark Esper, who was on a visit to the kingdom, at the Al-Sakhir Palace on Wednesday.

King Hamad welcomed the US defense secretary and his accompanying delegation and reviewed with them the long-standing bilateral relations, and ways to further develop them.

He stressed that the Bahrain-US relations are based on decades-long mutual trust and respect, as well as shared keenness on achieving common goals and interests.

The king and US defense secretary exchanged views on a number of issues and the latest developments of mutual interest, particularly in the region.

King Hamad expressed his appreciation to Secretary Mark Esper for his efforts to enhance the Bahraini-US relations in the military and defense fields.

The king praised the pivotal role played by the US administration in strengthening the pillars of regional and global security, stability, and peace, hailing the US Administration’s keenness on consolidating joint cooperation with Bahrain.

The US defense secretary expressed thanks and appreciation to the king for the gracious welcome accorded to him and his delegation, praising the royal efforts to strengthen the solid bilateral relations and cooperation.

Secretary Esper praised the pivotal role played by Bahrain, as a major partner, in consolidating security and stability in the region for long decades.