Manama, Nov. 24 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today met the Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency William Roebuck, and the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and Commander of 5th Fleet Vice Admiral Kevin M. Donegan, at Gudaibiya Palace.

His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of further strengthening joint coordination and mutual understanding between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, in order to confront common challenges and to meet the aspirations of the two countries.

Speaking about regional security, His Royal Highness stressed the importance of finding an effective way to deal with the current situation in Syria, in order to end the humanitarian suffering.

His Royal Highness then highlighted his appreciation for the US’s role in organising and participating in the Bahrain-hosted workshop on combating the financing of terrorism and violent extremism. The workshop was organised in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Bank of Bahrain, and the GCC General-Secretariat, and took place at a time when the Kingdom has announced its interest in addressing ways to further combat the financing of terrorism.

His Royal Highness highlighted that the Kingdom continues to stand alongside the international community in the joint fight against terrorism and extremist ideology, and is committed to promoting the principles of peace and freedom.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral ties and regional and international developments.

In response, Ambassador Roebuck and Vice Admiral Donegan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet His Royal Highness, and praised the strength of joint cooperation and coordination between the two countries.

W H Q

BNA 1527 GMT 2015/11/24