Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America are working to put in place Boeing planes for linking the two capitals of the brotherly nations.
Steven Bondy, US Ambassador, while talking to media at the US Pavilion at the Bahrain International Airshow 2024, said that he would not prejudge on aircraft sales, but he said Gulf Air and Bahrain were in talks with Boeing to buy planes for a long-haul direct flight to the US, we hope to see direct flights between Bahrain and the US by Gulf Air.
“The US will be happy to provide planes to the Gulf for their proposed direct flights between the two countries.
HE Ambassador said that both sides would continue to be partners in defense, security, and trade related sectors aimed at taking the ties to the new heights of excellence., adding that in the military realm, the BDF has taken possession of number of sophisticated aircraft systems as just recently the F-16 block 70 aircrafts is prime example of growing relations between the two sides.
“Bahrain is actually becoming the first customer globally to buy these aircrafts, and we will be pursuing very closely and see what comes next,” HE Ambassador said, adding that the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (CSIPA) that would enhance cooperation across a wide range of areas, from defense and security to emerging technology, trade, and investment.
“It marks the latest development in the United States’ close partnership with Bahrain and enduring commitment to the region in support of peace. CSIPA is just getting a momentum, the number of initiatives is in the pipeline, we will continue to follow up and work closely with Bahraini authorities on cooperation on variety of areas of common interest.
“It has been honour and joy to be here at the Bahrain International Airshow 2024, this is my second time attending and this year very robust and healthy American presence at the Show. The American pavilion with number of US companies participating in the exhibition hall and on Shaikh Isa Airbase tarmac you can see very impressive presence of American aircrafts which demonstrate most innovative and technologically advanced aircrafts,” he said.
“There are lot good customers here in the Kingdom of Bahrain and across the region as this is fabulous place to assemble and show, the United States has to offer in the context of a very long-lasting partnership between US and Bahrain,” HE Ambassador said, while talking about the BIAS 2024.
“Most recently the signing of comprehensive security integration and prosperity agreement that Royal Highness the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa signed a year ago in Washington with our Secretary of the State continue to be vital platform to further bolster the ties in all areas of common interest.”
Replying to a question about visa waiver between the two countries and easing of visa process the Ambassador said that recently the validity of tourist visa increased from five to ten years. “We are also in talks with the authorities on visa waivers but at this stage nothing to be offered.”
