US secretary of defence meets King of Bahrain

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel met with King Hamad al Khalifa of Bahrain at the Safria Palace, the US department of defense said in a statement on Friday. Hagel and the king discussed the long history of the United States - Bahrain bilateral relationship. Hagel emphasized the US commitment to Gulf security and discussed the speech he will present to the IISS Manama Dialogue on Saturday. The secretary and the king exchanged views on shared regional security challenges, including Iran and how the signed joint plan of action between the P5+1 and Iran. The meeting included significant discussion of reform in Bahrain and the importance of political inclusiveness for long term stability. The secretary thanked King Hamad for hosting the US 5th fleet and ongoing security cooperation.