During his current visit to the United States, Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Interior Minister, held an extensive meeting with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Lynn Noem, attended by senior officials from both sides.

They agreed to study the formation of a joint committee for security cooperation and coordination and to develop areas of joint work. A bilateral cooperation memorandum was signed to exchange information and protect the security and safety of both countries’ territories.

The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security welcomed the visit, emphasizing its importance in enhancing security cooperation and bilateral relations. The Bahraini Interior Minister highlighted the deep strategic partnership between Bahrain and the U.S. spanning over a century and praised the achievements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in protecting national security.

Discussions included U.S. administration priorities such as border security, supply chain enhancement, and strategic alliances, aligning with Bahrain’s security goals. The minister noted the signing of the cooperation memorandum that strengthens both countries’ security and Bahrain’s aspiration to join the U.S. visa waiver program.

The minister expressed Bahrain’s eagerness to deepen maritime cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and noted that Gulf Air will launch direct flights to the United States starting October 1, 2025, enhancing commercial and investment ties.

He concluded by affirming Bahrain’s readiness to work alongside the United States to advance initiatives that protect both nations and set new standards for partnership, security, and prosperity in the coming years.