The United States views the Kingdom of Bahrain as one of its most dependable partners in the Middle East.
To promote military professionalism and establish lasting relationships with future Bahraini leaders, U.S. military schools have educated hundreds of members of the Bahrain Armed Forces.
In March 2025, four international alumni of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College were inducted into the International Hall of Fame at the U.S. Army University, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Among them was Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, graduate of Command and General Staff Officer Course Class of 1988. Dr. Al Zayani serves as Bahrain’s minister of foreign affairs.
College Commandant Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., explained that Dr. Al Zayani has built a career of the highest scholarship and service, receiving the sword of honor and title of Master Logistician upon graduation in 1988.
“He has used his knowledge as a powerful tool to develop both military and civilians alike. As an esteemed educator, Dr. Al Zayani has mentored and inspired future generations at some of the top institutions across the world,” Lt. Gen. Beagle said.
In accepting the honor, Dr. Al Zayani lauded the principles he absorbed 37 years ago as a command college student. He was appointed his country’s foreign affairs minister in 2020.
“I have sought to use the fruits of this education to advocate for regional and global peace and security, particularly the need for genuine international cooperation and partnerships to tackle critical issues and to foster true peace, security and stability,” Dr. Al Zayani said.
He expressed his commitment to living up to the trust of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. His Majesty was the first Bahraini officer to graduate from this prestigious U.S. college and among the first group to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Bahrain, designated by the U.S. as a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2002, hosts the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet and the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces coalition to counter piracy, smuggling and terrorism.
Sources: Bahrain News Agency, U.S. Army, U.S. State Department