Bahrain Announces $17bn Investment Package During White House Meeting With Donald Trump
The two leaders met to reaffirm the enduring strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States—one that spans more than 130 years.
During the high-level meeting, Prince Salman announced a landmark $17bn investment package aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including: Security
Trade
Technology
The package underscores growing confidence in Bahrain's economic outlook and reflects the robust nature of US-Bahrain relations.
Prince Salman conveyed greetings from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to international peace and sustainable development. Discussions also centred on expanding economic ties and enhancing regional security through new multilateral frameworks.
A major focus of the meeting was the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), which has now expanded to include the United Kingdom, marking a significant step toward deeper regional cooperation.
Prince Salman welcomed the UK's accession, highlighting the agreement's role in fostering peace, collective deterrence, and commercial innovation across the Middle East.
Prince Salman also praised the US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement and the success of the US Trade Zone in Bahrain, citing them as critical engines of growth.
He expressed hope that other like-minded nations would join the C-SIPA framework to drive regional stability and prosperity.
The Crown Prince further noted Bahrain's support for peaceful nuclear energy and its role in the global energy transition. He also commended President Trump's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and promote lasting peace.
President Trump, in turn, praised King Hamad as a respected global leader and reaffirmed Bahrain's role as a steadfast US ally.
He described the bilateral relationship as 'tremendous,' citing growing trade and mutual strategic support.
The meeting concluded with a formal lunch hosted by President Trump in honour of Prince Salman and the accompanying Bahraini delegation. The visit marks a renewed chapter in Bahrain-US relations, grounded in shared values and a vision for long-term global stability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
3 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Japan Clarifies: No Defense Spending in New US Trade Deal
TDT | Manama Japan's top trade negotiator has clarified that the new trade agreement between Japan and the United States does not include any provisions related to defense spending or tariffs on steel and aluminum. Speaking to reporters in Washington on Wednesday, Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's envoy on tariffs, confirmed, 'The deal does not include anything on defense spending,' putting to rest speculation that military budgets might be part of the broader agreement. This follows earlier calls by U.S. President Donald Trump urging Japan to boost its defense spending. Akazawa also confirmed that US-imposed tariffs of 50 percent on Japanese steel and aluminum remain unchanged and were not addressed in the newly agreed trade deal. 'If you are asking whether the deal includes steel and aluminium, it does not,' he stated. Despite the exclusions, the announcement of the trade pact brought a boost to investor confidence. Japan's stock market surged in response, with the Nikkei 225 index jumping 3.18% to close at 41,040.66 yen. The broader Topix index also rose by 3.11%, finishing at 2,924.42 yen — gains led primarily by automotive stocks as the deal includes tariff reductions on vehicles and car parts. The agreement marks a step forward in trade relations between the two nations, focusing on economic cooperation without touching on more contentious defense or industrial issues.
Gulf Insider
5 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Trump Orders US Exit From UNESCO
The United States will withdraw from the U.N. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by the end of 2026, the State Department confirmed on July 22, citing ideological differences and what it described as an anti-Israel bias and 'globalist' agenda out of step with U.S. foreign policy. 'Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,' State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. She said the agency advances 'divisive social and cultural causes' and prioritizes the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals—an agenda she called 'globalist' and at odds with the Trump administration's America First foreign policy. The United States delivered a formal notice of its withdrawal to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay on July 22, according to Bruce. The move, carried out under Article II(6) of the organization's constitution, is set to take effect on Dec. 31, 2026. Until that date, the United States will continue to participate as a full member. This marks the third time the United States has withdrawn from the Paris-based agency, and the second time under President Donald Trump. The United States last withdrew from UNESCO in 2017 during Trump's first term, citing anti-Israel bias. It rejoined in 2023 under President Joe Biden, who argued the move was necessary to counter China's growing influence in the organization. Click here to read more Also read: Protests Kick Off In Kiev After Zelensky Shuts Down US-Backed Anti-Corruption Agency
Biz Bahrain
2 days ago
- Biz Bahrain
Standard Chartered: Weak Dollar to Unlock Opportunities in Emerging Markets and Global Equities
Standard Chartered announced its Global Market Outlook for the second half of 2025, projecting a constructive but volatile environment for investors worldwide. The Bank sees significant implications for Middle East investors, driven by expectations of a softer US dollar, resilient global equity markets and improving prospects for emerging-market assets. The report highlights that Global macro conditions remain mixed. In the United States, growth continues to be supported by resilient consumption and fiscal stimulus, though trade and policy uncertainty may temper momentum in the second half of the year. In Europe, fiscal easing increasingly offers support, but structural challenges persist while China's outlook is stabilising on the back of targeted stimulus and improving retail activity. Meanwhile, growth in India and ASEAN is expected to remain well-supported. Against this backdrop, the report outlines an investment strategy reflecting evolving risks and opportunities. We expect the US dollar to weaken over the next 6 to 12 months and have accordingly upgraded Asia (ex-Japan) equities and Emerging Market (EM) local-currency bonds to Overweight. Global equities also remain an Overweight position across portfolios, supported by healthy earnings, easing trade tensions, and controlled inflation (so far). Commenting on the report, Dr. Boutros Klink, CEO, Standard Chartered Bahrain, said: 'As global markets transition into a new phase, investors in Bahrain and the wider Middle East are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities. A weaker dollar historically supports returns across risk assets, particularly in emerging markets, which have long been core components of regional portfolios.' He added: 'This outlook underscores a critical moment for investors in the region. As the global environment adjusts to weak dollar dynamics, shifting trade policies, and diverging central bank actions, investors in our region have an opportunity to reposition portfolios with greater international diversification. Asset classes such as emerging market bonds and equities across major regions (including non-US equities) are well-placed to help investors navigate volatility, capture income, and enhance portfolio resilience in today's shifting landscape.' In line with these themes, the report maintains a preference for USD-denominated bonds in the 5–7-year maturity range, citing them as the most attractive in terms of risk-adjusted returns, particularly as yields begin to ease from current levels. Meanwhile, Developed Market Investment Grade corporate bonds have been downgraded to Underweight due to tight yield premiums and slower inflows. Alternative investments are also in focus, with the Bank highlighting gold as a core allocation, supported by strong central bank demand and its role as a diversifier when bonds offer less downside protection.
