Ambassador to US participates in dialogue session organised by Kingdom's Embassy in Washington, Aspen Strategy Group

Washington, Nov. 16 (BNA): Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador to the US, participated in a dialogue session organised by the Embassy in cooperation with the Aspen Strategy Group. 

The session, moderated by Niamh King, the Director of the Institute, addressed a number of regional and international issues, including the outcomes of Manama Dialogue organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), and the Gateway Gulf Forum, as well as the latest developments in the implementation of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) between the Bahrain, US, and UK.

During the dialogue session, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid pointed out that Bahrain’s hosting of the Manama Dialogue for more than twenty years reflects the Kingdom’s firm commitment to constructive dialogue and positive engagement in addressing regional and international challenges. This approach is based on the wise visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Ambassador underscored the high-level participation from the American side in this year’s session.

Regarding the Gateway Gulf Forum, the Ambassador explained that the forum is an investment platform targeting global investors seeking direct opportunities in the markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He noted the announcement of more than 60 investments and strategic agreements exceeding US$17 billion at this year's forum. He added that the Kingdom’s openness, economic flexibility, and diversified economic base make it the ideal gateway to the Gulf markets, which are valued at US$2.3 trillion.

The ambassador also discussed developments in the implementation of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), which is the first agreement of its kind at the treaty level between the US and an Arab country. He also said that the agreement is based on three interconnected pillars that include security cooperation, economic security, and technological resilience, which together form the basis of stability and prosperity for any country, stressing that multilateral action must remain at the heart of the common approach.