The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Washington DC has hosted a reception to celebrate the glorious National Day and the 18th Anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Accession to the Throne.
The event was hosted by the Ambassador of Bahrain to the United States, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashed Al Khalifa.
The United States Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Teresa Carlson, and members of the United States Congress attended.
In a speech, the ambassador welcomed guests to the Bahrain National Day celebration, noting that the event also commemorates the 18th Anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad’s Accession to the Throne
In this regard, he praised His Majesty the King’s ground-breaking reform vision, which has shaped Bahrain’s foreign policy and helped strengthen its relationship with its closest allies, including the United States.
Shaikh Abdullah noted that Bahrain-US relations span over one century and have evolved over a multitude of spheres, reinforcing Bahrain as a model for tolerance and coexistence
He highlighted the strength of Bahrain’s security partnership with the United States, noting that 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of the United States’ oldest military relationship in the region
Shaikh Abdullah went on to note that Bahrain has participated in every US-led coalition in the region since the Second World War, and confirmed that this security partnership is underpinned by a trade relationship that ensures the Kingdom’s armed forces are equipped to uphold regional peace and stability
The ambassador welcomed the $10 billion of new business deals signed on the sidelines of the recent official visit by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister to the US, noting that the magnitude of these deals illustrates the Kingdom’s commitment to the United States as a valued trade partner.
Shaikh Abdullah concluded that Bahrain-US relations continue to grow, and the Kingdom remains committed to exploring new partnership opportunities
In his remarks, the United States Secretary of the Navy confirmed that Bahrain represents one of the United States’ oldest and most treasured allies in the region
Spencer noted that the strength of the bilateral relationship is underpinned by the Kingdom’s ongoing support for the US Fifth Fleet, which represents an integral part of the United States’ forward deployed protection force.
Spencer welcomed the extension of the Bahrain-US Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed during HRH the Crown Prince’s recent visit, noting that the measure will further solidify bilateral relations, and referred to the importance of bilateral security coordination in the face of significant challenges, emphasising that positive levels of cooperation only serves to increase the trust and respect between the two countries.
Spencer concluded by congratulating the Kingdom of Bahrain on the National Day, noting that the Kingdom has been a steady friend to the United States with both countries bound by a common goal of a stable, secure and prosperous region.
In her remarks, the Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector for AWS highlighted that Bahrain National Day offers an opportunity to acknowledge His Majesty King Hamad’s vision, which has guided the Kingdom to a position of leadership across the world
Carlson praised Bahrain’s commitment to increasing industry diversification and building the workforce for tomorrow, while recognising the potential of cloud computing to deliver sustainable development in the Kingdom and wider region.
Carlson acknowledged that with the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB), Bahrain has become a world leader in cloud computing, embracing a cloud first policy that is bringing significant value to Bahraini citizens
Carlson concluded that the AWS’ decision to locate its first MENA region hub in Bahrain is testament to the creativity, innovation and forward thinking visible across Bahrain’s economy and government institutions.

Source: BNA