His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, received in Manama Tuesday the newly appointed Commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command, Commander of the US Fifth Fleet, and Commander of Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff, at Riffa Palace.

His Royal Highness emphasised the strength of bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America in various fields, including military and defence, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad commended the strategic partnership between Bahrain and the US, which has been bolstered through the signing of memoranda of understanding and bilateral agreements.

These collaborations have played an important role in advancing the progress and growth of both countries, notably the recently signed Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), which enhances regional and global security, prosperity, and development.

His Royal Highness welcomed Vice Admiral Wikoff to the Kingdom and wished him success in his duties, emphasising the pivotal role of the United States, alongside allied countries, in consolidating international peace and security.

During the meeting, HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad and Vice Admiral Wikoff discussed the latest regional and global developments and issues of common interest.