His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, engaged in a meeting with the U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the White House.
His Royal Highness extended the warm greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to President Trump.
His Royal Highness emphasized the historic and strategic relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, a bond that has flourished for over 130 years, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
His Royal Highness reaffirmed Bahrain’s steadfast commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in security, trade, and investment, all aimed at fostering international peace and promoting sustainable development.
His Royal Highness noted that the $17 billion investment package announced during this visit, which spans multiple sectors, reflects the profound trust and robust ties between Bahrain and the United States of America, further advancing their strategic partnership.
His Royal Highness stressed that these agreements signify a meaningful and practical advancement in fortifying the longstanding economic partnership between the two nations.
Read more: Bahrain’s national non-oil exports reach $838.3 million in May 2024
Rich history of Bahrain-U.S. relations
His Royal Highness highlighted the strong and expanding economic relations between Bahrain and the United States, acknowledging the positive influence of the Free Trade Agreement and emphasizing the significance of the United States Trade Zone in the Kingdom, which has been instrumental in enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad welcomed the strengthening of ties through joint agreements, such as the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), which has been broadened with the inclusion of the United Kingdom following an invitation from Bahrain and the United States.
His Royal Highness confirmed that the C-SIPA has established a multilateral framework to advance peace, drive development and innovation, and support the normalization of relations across the Middle East at a critical juncture for the region.
His Royal Highness welcomed the United Kingdom’s accession to the C-SIPA, characterizing it as a significant step toward fostering broader regional security integration, fortifying collective deterrence against external threats, and enhancing cooperation in commerce, science, and technology with like-minded nations in support of peace and prosperity in the Middle East.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister also expressed hopes that additional like-minded countries will join the C-SIPA framework, creating momentum for peace and collaboration across the region.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad further underscored the deep-rooted history of Bahrain-U.S. relations, which began at the civil level in 1893 and officially in 1948. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to expanding cooperation and deepening this enduring partnership for years to come.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad underscored the significance of cooperation in peaceful nuclear power, given its beneficial impact on development and the transition toward sustainable energy.
Flourishing economic ties
The meeting also addressed recent regional and international developments, during which His Royal Highness emphasized Bahrain’s unwavering approach to upholding the values of tolerance, coexistence, and intercultural dialogue.
His Royal Highness reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that lasting stability is firmly rooted in the advancement of prosperity.
Moreover, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad commended President Trump’s efforts and the pivotal role of the United States, in collaboration with allies, to mitigate regional tensions and promote enduring peace and stability in the Middle East.
In response, President Trump praised His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as a highly respected leader, both in the Middle East and on the global stage. President Trump also welcomed HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to the White House, extending a warm greeting to His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court.
During his address, President Trump highlighted the resilience of Bahrain-U.S. relations, describing them as tremendous and grounded in decades of mutual support and strategic partnership. The President affirmed that Bahrain has always been a valued and steadfast ally, stating that the United States has consistently stood by Bahrain in return.
Trump also referred to the economic ties between the two nations, noting the significant trade exchange that continues to flourish between the United States and Bahrain.
A lunch banquet was hosted by President Trump in honor of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation’s visit to the United States.
Growing trade relationsÂ
Trade relations between Bahrain and the U.S. have remained robust and dynamic in recent years, with both countries benefiting from a longstanding Free Trade Agreement that has been in effect since 2006. In 2023, the total volume of goods traded between the two nations reached approximately $2.84 billion. U.S. exports to Bahrain totaled about $1.68 billion, while imports from Bahrain amounted to $1.17 billion, resulting in a U.S. trade surplus of $509 million for that year. Key American exports included explosive ammunition, engine parts, and gas turbines, whereas Bahrain’s primary exports to the U.S. were raw aluminum, refined petroleum, and jewelry
In 2024, bilateral trade expanded further, with the total goods trade estimated at $2.89 billion. U.S. exports to Bahrain saw a slight decrease to $1.65 billion, while imports from Bahrain rose to $1.24 billion, consequently narrowing the U.S. trade surplus to $409 million. The main Bahraini exports to the U.S. in 2024 included aluminum (valued at roughly $726 million), mineral fuels and oils ($221 million), and copper ($81 million). The ongoing tariff-free access for U.S. goods under the Free Trade Agreement continued to benefit American exporters and supported the diversification of bilateral trade.Â
Between January and May 2025, U.S. exports to Bahrain reached $631 million, while imports from Bahrain stood at $551 million—suggesting a narrowing trade surplus compared to previous years as bilateral trade continues to evolve.
