VP Harris Discusses with Bahraini King and Crown Prince

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke separately today with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain. The Vice President expressed regret she was no longer able to travel to Bahrain given the historic wildfires in Los Angeles. The Vice President thanked both leaders for their partnership throughout the Biden-Harris Administration in strengthening the U.S.-Bahrain relationship and she reaffirmed the close and enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and Bahrain. The Vice President expressed pride in the 2023 signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), a key accomplishment of the Biden-Harris Administration in the Middle East, which she and the Crown Prince advanced in their March 2022 meeting. C-SIPA enhances U.S-Bahrain cooperation on defense, trade, science, and emerging technology. The Vice President expressed support for strengthening C-SIPA, and noted the United Kingdom's recent decision to join C-SIPA-demonstrating it can be a model for further regional integration. The Vice President expressed her appreciation for the security partnership with Bahrain, and for its hosting the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and the Vice President reaffirmed the importance of the United States working with our regional partners to support regional stability and maritime security. The Vice President discussed latest developments in the Middle East, and she underscored she will continue working toward a future of peace, dignity, and security for all people in the region, and a future with increased integration, connectivity, and prosperity. The Vice President commended Bahrain's leaders on the steps taken to promote interfaith tolerance in Bahrain.