bahrainthismonth.com | JULY 2025 USA IN BAHRAIN 18 Your Excellency, this is your fourth July 4 in Bahrain as the US Ambassador. How have US-Bahrain relations grown during your time as Ambassador? It has been a tremendous honour to serve as US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and over the past three and a half years, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth in our bilateral relationship. Our countries have long been close partners, but during my tenure across two US administrations, we’ve elevated that cooperation. This progress is best demonstrated by the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, which we signed in 2023 and has become a cornerstone of our modern partnership. It reflects a shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity – not just for our two countries, but for the broader Middle East. This year, we saw that agreement expand to include the United Kingdom, and we look forward to welcoming other partners. Economically, we’ve strengthened our commercial ties through initiatives like the US Trade Zone and expanded partnerships between American companies and Bahraini firms. I’ve been particularly proud to see Bahraini and American entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators working together on everything from energy exploration to digital infrastructure and space science. President Trump’s May visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates demonstrates the priority the Administration places on ties with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In what areas do you see the greatest potential for future collaboration between our two nations? We’ve seen exciting new areas of cooperation emerge – most recently in space. Bahrain’s successful launch of the Al Munther satellite aboard a US SpaceX rocket marked a new chapter in scientific collaboration. We are eager to explore additional avenues in space cooperation, including the possibility of working together to put a Bahraini into space. The Trump Administration is committed to ensuring the United States remains the global leader in space science, and we want to work with Bahrain in that effort. Given the longstanding strategic partnership, how does the US Embassy plan to further support Bahrain’s role in promoting regional security and stability? At the 2024 Manama Dialogue, we witnessed the United Kingdom join the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), marking a significant milestone in trilateral cooperation. This development underscores our collective commitment to not only deepening bilateral ties but also forging a broader, integrated security and economic framework that strengthens regional stability and prosperity. By expanding C-SIPA to include the UK, we are laying the groundwork for more robust collaboration on shared challenges – whether in maritime security, technological innovation or economic development – paving the way for a more secure and resilient Gulf region. Through its work and priorities during its presidency of the Arab League, Bahrain has clearly demonstrated its commitment to peace. The United States looks forward to working intensively on peace and stability with Bahrain during its 2026-2027 term on the United Nations Security Council. Congratulations to Bahrain for its overwhelming victory in being elected to the Council! As the United States of America marks another Independence Day, His Excellency Steven C. Bondy, US Ambassador to Bahrain, reflects on the depth of US–Bahrain ties, emerging avenues of cooperation and the shared values shaping this enduring partnership. Unity Through Diplomacy Watch the Video
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