HRH Crown Prince hails Bahrain-US military cooperation

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy King and Crown Prince, today lauded the advanced level of the US Naval Forces, asserting that the on-going Bahraini-US military cooperation is among the fruitful results of the solid historical relations bonding the two allied countries and a reflection of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s keen interest to strengthen them. Speaking as he paid a visit to the US aircraft carrier “USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)”, HRH Crown Prince asserted that the anchoring of such a giant warship at the Khalifa bin Salman Sea Port testifies to the progress and development witnessed by the port. “The visit aims to consolidate the friendship spirit characterizing the two countries’ relations which have always been positive, stable and beneficial for both,” he said, citing the deep-rooted military ties bonding Bahrain and the USA and the military agreements allowing the USA to set up the first naval base in the region.He also reiterated the kingdom’s strong resolve to enhance its ties with the USA at the military and other levels. Upon arrival, HRH Crown Prince was welcomed by the US 5th Fleet Commander Mark Fox, the Commander of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Rear Admiral Craig Faller and Acting US Ambassador to Bahrain Stephanie Williams. Then, HRH Crown Prince toured the vessel and was briefed on its sections and duties, as well as the joint cooperation between the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) and the US Navy aiming to promote global peace, combat piracy and enforce international law and legitimacy. On their parts, the commanders of the US 5th Fleet and the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) commended HRH Prince Salman’s keenness to enhance bilateral relations between the two allied nations. Head of the HRH Crown Prince’s Court Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al Khalifa and RBNF Commander Rear Admiral Abdulla Said Al Mansoori accompanied HRH Crown Prince during the visit.