Manama, May 13 (BNA)– Minister of Interior Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received today US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Ambassador Anne Patterson and her accompanying delegation.

Chief of Public Security Major-General Tariq Al Hassan and American Ambassador Thomas Krajeski also attended the meeting.

The Minister welcomed the official, stressing the importance of cooperation and coordination between Bahrain and the USA, especially in the security field. He said that the democratic initiatives in Bahrain and the political and legislative reforms were part of the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, adding that the community partnership represents a basic element in the development and modernisation strategy of the Interior Ministry.

Both sides also discussed issues of common interest.

The Public Security Chief briefed the US official on the security situation in Bahrain and the Interior Ministry’s development and modernisation strategy through intensive training, the use of cutting-edge technology and benefiting from other countries’ experiences.

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BNA 1759 GMT 2014/05/13