The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Bahraini Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa led the fifth U.S.-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue on January 26, 2026 in Manama. The annual event attests to the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The dialogue reflects the shared commitment of both countries to advancing peace, strengthening regional and maritime security, and expanding economic opportunities and prosperity.
Acting Under Secretary Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa highlighted advances made through the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s July 2025 visit to the United States. Under Secretary Hooker highlighted the U.S.-Bahraini partnership as a model of cooperation to address regional and global challenges. Under Secretary Hooker congratulated Bahrain on its non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and underscored U.S. readiness to work closely with Bahrain to advance international peace and security. The Under Secretary expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s decision to join the Board of Peace as a Founding Member, which highlights Bahrain’s commitment to support the full implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. Both countries discussed shared strategic priorities, including the Abraham Accords, Iran, Yemen, Syria, and maritime security.
The Strategic Dialogue addressed cooperation in counterterrorism, law enforcement, and border security to confront evolving security challenges, including unmanned aircraft systems. Both sides reviewed progress made since the signing of the Enhanced Border Security Agreement in September 2025. This agreement safeguards both countries, deters illegal immigration, and stops the flow of drugs, trafficked individuals, and terrorists. The two governments highlighted the importance of confronting transnational threats from terrorist travel and terrorist financing. The United States commended Bahrain’s Tier 1 status in the Trafficking in Person’s report for the 8th consecutive year, demonstrating the Kingdom’s national efforts towards the protection of victims’ rights and strengthening legal frameworks.
The United States and Kingdom of Bahrain benefit from extensive and expanding economic and commercial ties. This partnership has generated economic growth, supported job creation, and fostered collaboration in emerging technology. In July 2025, Bahrain announced commitments to invest over $17 billion in new commercial deals, including purchasing Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines, partnering with U.S. technology leaders such as Oracle and Cisco, investing in U.S. aluminum, and exploring peaceful nuclear cooperation. The two governments celebrated the signing of the Critical Minerals Framework which intends to strengthen both countries’ supply chains and opens new avenues for investment. This Framework will accelerate the secure supply of critical minerals and rare earths necessary to support industries, including advanced technologies, in both the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
As the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, it recognizes the longstanding partnership and friendship with the people of Bahrain. It is a relationship that dates to the establishment of the American Mission Hospital in 1889, during the reign of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, whose leadership Bahrain commemorates in 2026. At the Strategic Dialogue, the two governments celebrated the signing of a Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Cultural Heritage to combat the criminal exploitation of the art and antiquities market. The United States and Bahrain committed to expanding educational and English language partnerships and possibilities for workforce development and internship programs that will drive prosperity in both nations. The delegations discussed opportunities to commemorate America’s 250th birthday through exchange programs, cultural events and preservation, and sports diplomacy.
The United States and Bahrain lauded the importance of their strategic partnership and cooperation across priority issues. Both sides look forward to convening the next Strategic Dialogue in Washington.
