Bahrain’s Interior Minister, Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, conducted an official visit to the United States, during which he met US Secretary of Defense James Mattis at the Pentagon, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) reported.

During the meeting, the US Secretary of Defense welcomed Sheikh Rashid’s visit, hailing the historical and strategic ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States. Secretary Mattis also expressed appreciation for the role of Bahrain in the region under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

The Secretary of Defense also expressed thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the Fifth Fleet and the facilities provided to the US services. Secretary Mattis went on to condemn the Iranian interference in Bahrain and Iran’s attempts to undermine the Kingdom’s security.

He also welcomed the efforts of the Interior Ministry to protect the security of citizens and residents, expressing sincere condolences to the families of the policemen who have died in the line of duty. The meeting was also attended by the military attaché of the Bahrain Embassy in Washington.