The Chief of Public Security, Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan and Coordinator for Counterterrorism of the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, chaired an online Fourth Strategic Dialogue on Confronting Emerging and Transnational Threats.
In the beginning, the Chief hailed the strategic foresight under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in reinforcing the dynamic security relationship between our two nations. He valued the instructions of His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa for the dialogue to achieve its goals.
He said Bahrain and the US marked a significant milestone by signing the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA).
He noted that the United States and Bahrain's active participation in US-led security initiatives underscores their commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through global cooperation and strategic partnerships and demonstrates the strength of Bahrain-U.S. bilateral relations.
The Chief also highlighted the Interior Ministry's priorities and the two countries' partnership in cybersecurity, open prisons, border and travel security, and other cooperation fields. He said that the remarkable achievements made over the past year have propelled Bahrain-US relations to new heights, and the year ahead holds only more promise in enhancing our bilateral partnership.
In counterterrorism, he commended the United States designation of the four individuals linked to the al-Ashtar Brigades. He said: “Our collaborative efforts in designating individuals and organisations significantly enhance national and global security.”
During the meeting, the Interior Ministry's efforts in maintaining security and enhancing stability were reviewed, as were the Kingdom’s achievements in combating money laundering and terrorist financing crimes and the advanced programmes of the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, including the alternative sanctions project and the open prisons programmes.
The meeting hailed Bahrain’s e-passport, which has been recognised globally and won several awards for its innovative design and security features.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, asserted the importance of holding interviews of the US Globa Entry project in Bahrain.
For her part, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain and its keenness to enhance joint efforts to strengthen relations of cooperation and coordination between the two countries in various fields.
The meeting included a discussion of the latest security developments within the framework of security memorandums of understanding and agreements.
At the end of the meeting, the Chief emphasised the critical importance of this platform in shaping and advancing the objectives that fortify Bahrain-US relations. He affirmed that Bahrain remains steadfast in its dedication to regional security and stability, enhancing border and maritime security, combating terrorism, boosting cybersecurity, and addressing countless emerging threats.
Bahrain delegation included the NPRA Undersecretary, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the Financial Intelligence National Centre, Shaikha May Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief of Public Security Major-General Dr Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Assistant Chief of Public Security for Operations and Training Affairs Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah Al Haram.
