bahrainthismonth.com | JULY 2025 USA IN BAHRAIN 19 Education and cultural exchange have historically played a strong role in US– Bahrain relations. What efforts are being made to expand these programmes? We currently have over 800 Bahraini alumni of Embassy exchange programmes such as Fulbright, International Visitor Leadership Programme and YES student exchange. This is a dynamic group of people working across all sectors in Bahrain, and we work with them to develop a strong network, so these alumni can work with and learn from one another. We continue to support these exchanges to share ideas and build lasting relationships. A highlight of each year is meeting the outstanding Bahraini recipients of the Crown Prince International Scholarship. These talented students and future leaders attend some of the United States’ most prestigious universities, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience that they bring back to Bahrain to contribute to the Kingdom’s continued growth and prosperity. We’ve seen the number of recipients grow from 10 to 20, with many of those choosing to study in the United States. With each new cohort, they lay the foundation for future collaboration between our nations and peoples. How is the US Embassy engaging with Bahrain’s youth and civil society to foster mutual understanding and cooperation? We see young people as the future of our partnership and are investing in their success and skills development through education, exchange, and dialogue. Programmes like the Fulbright Programme, MEPI Student Leaders and YES high school exchange programme give Bahraini youth first-hand experience in the United States and help them develop skills that contribute to their communities here in Bahrain. In April, Phil Murphy, the Governor of my home state of New Jersey, led a trade and education delegation to Bahrain. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Bahrain’s Masari Association signed an agreement for new Bahraini entrants to the workforce to enjoy internships at New Jersey companies. We are working right now to activate this programme. What message would you like to share with the American expatriate community living and working in Bahrain? To my fellow Americans living and working in Bahrain, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the important role you play in strengthening the bonds between our two nations. You represent the best of America – innovation, creativity and grit – and your contributions build our security ties, create dynamic economic and commercial opportunities, and create lasting people-topeople bonds. Whether you’re serving at US Naval Forces Central Command, in business or in education, your daily interactions with Bahrainis foster understanding, friendship and the mutual respect that sustains this remarkable partnership. And I must add that all Americans in Bahrain know how fortunate they are to live in this beautiful Kingdom among friendly, open and welcoming Bahraini citizens. This truly is the Pearl of the Gulf! With Bahrain positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation and technology, how do you foresee American companies and institutions contributing to this vision? US firms bring world-class expertise in cuttingedge sectors like digital economy, fintech, Artificial Intelligence applications, energy, healthcare and advanced manufacturing, and we’re seeing increasing collaboration between American and Bahraini partners in these fields, to share knowledge and accelerate progress. Beyond the private sector, US universities and research institutions can offer invaluable insights and training to help Bahrain’s entrepreneurs and young professionals thrive. Lastly, what are your personal diplomatic priorities during your tenure in Bahrain, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind? I have always made it a priority to highlight our shared values and respect for one another, which strengthens our societies and underpins everything we do together. I have been asked many times what I think the key is to being a successful diplomat. I strongly believe a diplomat must demonstrate respect and enthusiasm for the local society and culture. Here in Bahrain, I have greatly enjoyed learning about Bahrain’s traditions and interacting daily with Bahraini citizens. What is the best thing about Bahrain? That’s an easy one – its people. As for my legacy, I hope to leave behind a vibrant and resilient US-Bahrain partnership – one that has made the United States safer, stronger and more prosperous through our friendship with our ally, Bahrain. Bahrainis and Americans can feel proud of what we have accomplished together and know there is much more we can do together to build on our success.
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