Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander received Ambassador Donald Blome, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, as part of the 22nd IISS “Manama Dialogue 2026”, in the presence of Stephanie Hallet, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain, Michael DiMino IV, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Near East and Central Asia, Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Advisor, and Shaikh Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Strategic Security Bureau.

His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed the depth of the strategic relations between Bahrain and the U.S., as well as the close cooperation in the military and defence sectors, noting the commitment to continue strengthening cooperation and joint coordination to serve mutual interests.

During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of military and defence cooperation between Bahrain and the U.S., explored ways to enhance joint coordination, and discussed a number of issues of mutual interest, as well as the latest regional and international developments. They also emphasised the importance of consolidating the foundations of regional and international security and stability and ensuring the security of vital waterways and freedom of navigation to support regional and global development and prosperity.