LONDON: Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa on Saturday met with the US secretary of state in Manama to discuss regional issues.
The crown prince and Antony Blinken “discussed efforts to achieve a ceasefire of at least six weeks in Gaza as part of an agreement to secure the release of hostages,” the US State Department said in a statement.
Prince Salman stressed the kingdom’s “firm stance toward the Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to reaching a peaceful, lasting and fair solution in support of Palestinians’ legitimate right to establish an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Bahrain’s state news agency BNA reported.
He also underscored the importance of protecting civilian lives, de-escalation, releasing hostages and detainees, and guaranteeing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Meanwhile, Blinken “pledged to continue close coordination with regional and international partners to promote calm during the holy month of Ramadan and prepare for the post-conflict phase,” State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said.
The two sides also discussed the “reckless and dangerous Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and reaffirmed their shared commitment to international law and freedom of navigation,” Miller added, and Blinken expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s “important contributions” to maritime security.
Prince Salman noted the prominent role the US plays in upholding international peace, protecting and securing international maritime navigation, and promoting the free flow of international trade, BNA reported.
He highlighted the strength of the longstanding Bahrain-US strategic partnership and said the kingdom was committed to furthering bilateral cooperation and coordination in line with MoUs and agreements between their two nations.
