A staunch advocate for peace and stability, the Kingdom of Bahrain sought to deepen its partnership with the United Kingdom as part of a national effort to bring together like-minded countries to promote security, growth and prosperity in the Middle East.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s ambassador to the United States; Mora Namdar of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau for Near Eastern Affairs; and Lucy Ferguson, the U.K.’s acting deputy head of mission to the U.S., signed an agreement in Washington in June 2025, marking the accession of the U.K. to the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA).
“The United States, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the United Kingdom are pleased to mark the United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, a framework aimed at fostering broader integration in the Middle East, bolstering mutual deterrence against external threats, and expanding cooperation to advance security, stability, and prosperity in the region,” the U.S. Department of State announced.
The parties intend to create working groups to enhance strategic cooperation consistent with C-SIPA’s goals in promoting stability, technological innovation, prosperity, and economic and security partnerships in the Middle East.
Sheikh Abdullah stated that the C-SIPA lays the foundations for building a comprehensive framework for security integration and prosperity in the Middle East. It embodies the vision and directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at achieving peace, stability and prosperity for the countries and peoples of the region and by extension the world, the Sheikh said.
The relationship between Bahrain and the U.K. dates to 1861, when the Arabian Gulf island signed the Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship with Great Britain. Bahrain declared independence in 1971, but has maintained a strong partnership with the U.K., particularly in naval affairs.
Sources: Bahrain News Agency, alayam.com, U.S. Department of State