Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received Wednesday Vice-Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper (photo), the newly-appointed Commander of United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), and Commander of United States Fifth Fleet (C5F).

The Commander-in-Chief wished the Commander success in his new duties, praising the steady development of the relations between Bahrain and the U.S., across several areas, particularly at the military level.

Earlier, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa also received at Sakhir Palace Monday the US embassy Charge D’Affaires Margaret Nardi who introduced to HM the newly-appointed US Naval Forces Central Command, Fifth Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper.

HM the King welcomed them and congratulated Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper on assuming his new post, wishing him every success. He lauded deep-rooted historical relations of friendship and cooperation between the USA and the Kingdom of Bahrain which are based on mutual respect and joint coordination.

HM the King commended growing bilateral cooperation, mainly in the military and defense field, praising the pivotal role of the US administration in maintaining security and stability in the region.

Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper lauded the efforts of HM the King to further consolidate historical and distinguished relations between the two friendly countries mainly in the defense fields.

Meantime, Bahrain’s Commander-in-Chief Field separately received Lt. Colonel Alastair Kern, the newly-appointed British Defense Attaché in Bahrain.

The Commander-in-Chief praised the historical relation between the two kingdoms, wishing the Defense Attaché success in his new duties.