Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received Commander of the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) General Joseph Votel, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Lieutenant General Yusef bin Ahmed Al Jalahma and BDF Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant General Dhiab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi.

The BDF Commander-in-Chief welcomed the USCENTCOM Commander and his accompanying delegation, lauding deep-rooted historical relations between the two friendly countries. They discussed relations of friendship and cooperation between Bahrain and the USA and ways of bolstering them mainly in the defense field.

The BDF Commander-in-Chief held a lunch banquet at the Officers Club in honor of Gen. Joseph Votel and his accompanying delegation.

Present at the meeting were the General Command Court Director Major General Hassan Mohammed Sa’ad, Inspector General Major General Abdullah Hassan Al Nuaimi, Military Advisor at the BDF General Command Court Major General Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Assistant Chief-of-Staff for Supply and Catering Rear Admiral Yusef Ahmed Malallah and senior officers. 

For his part, Bahrain’s Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, also met the Commander of US Central Command, General Joseph Votel, at Riffa Palace.

During the meeting, HRH stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation between the United States of America and Bahrain in the interest of regional security and stability. 

HRH went on to highlight efforts to reduce regional tensions in line with internationally recognized conventions and laws, particularly in cases of state sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs.

The Deputy King outlined the longstanding strategic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America at all levels, particularly in defense, noting that the alliance had long supported the balance of power in the region.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review various regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest.

Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqer Al Noaimi, the BDF’s Chief-of-Staff also attended the meeting.