UK joins US-Bahrain agreement to build security across the Middle East
The UK will join the US-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement as it works with partners to build long-term security and stability across the Middle East
- Today the UK has announced it will join the US-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement
- This move signals the UK’s continued efforts to work with key partners to build long-term security and stability across the Middle East
- Minister Falconer set to sign the agreement during his visit to the region
Today, the UK has announced its intention to join the US-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) which aims to build long-term security and stability across the Middle East. This demonstrates the UK’s commitment to working with key defence partners Bahrain and the US to cooperate more closely with them and allies to foster regional stability and prosperity.
The UK’s Minister for the Middle East will travel to the region tomorrow, to attend the Manama Dialogue, where Bahrain, US and UK will sign and celebrate the UK joining the C-SIPA agreement. He will also deliver a speech addressed to foreign, defence and intelligence Ministers from across the region and world to discuss the most pressing regional security issues.
The UK’s membership of C-SIPA will bolster its strong security and economic cooperation with Bahrain. Bahrain hosts the UK’s naval facilities in the Gulf and has supported operations which support freedom of navigation and commercial trade through the Red Sea. The first UK Bahrain Strategic Investment Partnership agreed in 2023 has already provided over £1billion investment in UK.
The UK has a special relationship with the US built on a foundation of deep security, military and intelligence links, as well as unique cultural and people to people bonds. Joining C-SIPA is a natural extension of this, and the UK will continue to be a reliable partner standing with the US and Bahrain to support greater stability and prosperity in the Middle East.
The Minister for Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer said:
The Middle East is subject to instability and the risks of escalation and miscalculation are high. It is more important than ever for the UK to join efforts to build long-term regional security in the region, alongside key partners Bahrain and US.
C-SIPA is a joint commitment to be at the forefront of global efforts to promote the rule of law and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
I am delighted that the UK have announced its decision to join and look forward to furthering our security cooperation with Bahrain and the US.
Minister Falconer will also attend the Doha Forum in Qatar to collaborate with key partners on tackling challenges facing our world, from security to technology and development.
Following this, the Prime Minister will travel to the Gulf next week, where he will be discussing defence and security partnerships and cooperation on regional stability. The UK is proud to work with Gulf countries who have been vital partners in calling for peace, delivering humanitarian aid and working to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
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