Manama, March 7 (BNA) Interior Minister Lt. Gen. Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received today the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle Eastern Affairs Dana Stroul and her accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by Chief of Public Security Lieutenant-General Tariq Al-Hassan and Head of Customs Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The Minister of Interior welcomed the American official and her accompanying delegation, praising the visit, which aims to strengthen the strong relations and strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States to protect regional security.
He highlighted the main aspects of Bahrain’s humanitarian project for alternative punishments and the open prisons programme. He explained that the project comes within the framework of the royal vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He stressed the importance of the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the United States, and its positive repercussions on strengthening bilateral relations.
The Minister of Interior praised the cooperation and coordination in the field of combating terrorism and building the capabilities of the Coast Guard to enhance maritime security and safety. He pointed to the continuation of joint work and exchange of experiences between the two countries in facing regional and international security challenges.
Meanwhile, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense expressed his thanks and appreciation of the United States to the Kingdom for its support for the US Fifth Fleet, praising the cooperation between the two countries in enhancing regional security.
The two sides reviewed ways to enhance security cooperation and coordination, and develop customs agreements and memoranda of understanding to serve the interests of the two friendly countries.
AOQ