Bahrain steps up defence pact role in US security call
HRH Prince Salman strengthens Bahrain's C-SIPA role
HRH leads defence dialogue
C-SIPA reaffirmed as cornerstone
Regional stability emphasised
You Know What:
The Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), signed in 2023, marked the first formal defence and economic pact of its kind between the US and a Gulf nation.
Mahir Haneef
TDT | Manama
Reaffirming Bahrain's standing as a key defence partner in the Gulf, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, held a high-level telephone conversation on Sunday with United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
The call focused on strengthening military and strategic coordination under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), a landmark pact that HRH described as a driver of Bahrain-US bilateral cooperation.
Pact Reaffirmed
HRH Prince Salman stressed the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to enhancing regional and global peace efforts. He highlighted the value of C-SIPA in reinforcing joint readiness and aligning regional security strategies with US-led efforts.
His Royal Highness noted that the Bahrain-US relationship rests on deep-rooted military and defence collaboration, which has evolved into one of the region's most robust security partnerships.
Stability Highlighted
The conversation also underscored the pivotal role of the United States in ensuring regional and international stability. Both sides exchanged views on current developments and common priorities shaping the Middle East security landscape.
HRH Prince Salman reiterated that Bahrain remains a committed partner in advancing peace and countering threats in coordination with allies across the Gulf and beyond.
Continued Coordination
The strategic dialogue follows a series of high-level engagements between Manama and Washington in recent months, aimed at operationalising C-SIPA and expanding its scope across both defence and prosperity tracks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
21 minutes ago
- Trade Arabia
UiPath appoints Sara Al-Alsheikh as Regional VP for Saudi Arabia
UiPath, a global leader in agentic automation, has appointed Sara Al-Alsheikh as Regional Vice President (RVP) and Managing Director for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, amid rising demand for AI-powered automation adoption across the Gulf. Al-Alsheikh will lead UiPath's go-to-market and customer success strategy across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain and act as Managing Director of the UiPath regional hub, headquartered in Riyadh. She will focus on accelerating growth in key sectors such as government, banking, oil and gas, and others, strengthening UiPath's partner ecosystem, and driving customer success across large-scale digital transformation initiatives, the company said. Agentic Automation Momentum The Gulf region is experiencing a significant surge in digital transformation initiatives, with organisations increasingly adopting advanced automation technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. UiPath is at the forefront of this evolution, enabling local businesses and governments to develop and orchestrate complex AI-powered automation deployments through seamless integration of AI agents, software robots, and human collaboration. Thanks to her exceptional track record of success having worked closely with UiPath customers in the region since joining in 2023 as Director of Public Sector and Public Investment Fund (PIF), Al-Alsheikh's appointment aligns with this momentum. Furthermore, it is placing UiPath in a solid position to further support the Gulf's ambitious Vision 2030 objectives by fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across key sectors, while also supporting gender inclusion goals, the company said. With over a decade of experience at global technology firms including HP, IBM, and SAP, she represents a new generation of Saudi leaders driving innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth across the region's technology landscape. "Sara's leadership is a strategic asset for UiPath and a symbol of what's possible when talent, vision, and inclusion intersect," said Zakaria Haltout, Area Vice President Middle East and Africa at UiPath.
Daily Tribune
5 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Hosts First International Conference on Alternative Sanctions
TDT | Manama "Alternative sentencing is not a reward, it is a lifeline for those willing to walk the right path." "Alternative sentencing is not a reward, it is a lifeline for those willing to walk the right path.' His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, declared during the opening of the First International Conference on Alternative Sanctions, held in Manama with broad Arab and international participation. The conference marks a pivotal moment in Bahrain's legal and humanitarian reform journey, showcasing the Kingdom's commitment to justice that is balanced with compassion and social responsibility. HE the Minister noted that Bahrain is currently experiencing a profound era of renaissance and reform, inspired by the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. 'This prosperous era is deeply rooted in values of humanity, justice, and wisdom,' he said. 'We have moved forward under His Majesty's vision to uphold human dignity and safeguard our humanitarian and cultural legacy.' He emphasized that the alternative sentencing initiative is one of the cornerstones of this reform era, a programme that reflects Bahrain's belief in second chances and community rehabilitation. Not a Reward, but a Responsibility Clarifying a common misconception, the Interior Minister stressed that alternative sanctions are not intended as leniency for dangerous offenders. 'They are not granted to those who pose a threat to public safety or social peace,' he said. 'Rather, they are designed for individuals who have recognised their mistakes, taken responsibility, and committed to reintegrating into society.' He described the programme as a humanitarian initiative that strengthens national trust, reunites families, and enhances a legal culture rooted in accountability and reform. Centre of Excellence In a significant announcement, the Minister revealed plans to establish the Centre of Excellence for Alternative Sanctions and Open Prisons, a regional hub that will train and qualify professionals involved in implementing alternative sentencing. 'This centre will help advance the system further and share Bahrain's successful model with neighbouring countries,' he stated. He added that the initiative reflects the Kingdom's growing influence in regional justice reform and will serve as a beacon for other nations looking to modernise their penal systems. Since its inception, Bahrain's alternative sentencing and open prison programme has earned recognition on the local, regional, and international levels. Developed in partnership with the Public Prosecution, the programme is rooted in the principle that while justice must be served, it should also provide avenues for redemption and rehabilitation. 'Every person, despite their setbacks in life, deserves a chance to correct their behaviour,' the Minister affirmed.
Daily Tribune
8 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Pakistan's Fatah-I missile turned out to be Dud: Indian officials
TDT | AFI Pakistan's Fatah-I missile program, touted as a critical component of the country's defense strategy, has encountered substantial setbacks due to persistent quality issues, according to officials cited by The guided missile system, intended to serve as a counter to India's growing conventional capabilities and its Cold Start Doctrine, has reportedly underperformed in multiple test launches and real-world combat scenarios, raising serious doubts about its reliability and effectiveness. The Fatah-I missile, designed to enhance Pakistan's precision strike capabilities, was considered a milestone in the nation's defense modernization efforts. Positioned as a response to India's advancements in missile technology and strategic doctrines, the system was expected to deliver accurate and effective strikes. However, reports indicate that the missile has consistently failed to meet expectations. During multiple test launches, the Fatah-l has exhibited a range of critical failures, including veering off course, falling short of intended targets, or crashing outright. Most alarmingly, Indian officials have observed instances where the missiles disintegrated mid-air, pointing to severe structural or design deficiencies. These failures were particularly evident during recent conflicts with India, where the Fatah-I was deployed in combat situations. Rather than demonstrating the precision and reliability expected of a modern guided missile system, the Fatah-l's performance was marked by catastrophic malfunctions. The mid-air disintegration of missiles, as observed by Indian officials, suggests fundamental flaws in the system's engineering, potentially compromising Pakistan's deterrence capabilities. The Fatah-I's issues are a significant setback for Pakistan, which has heavily promoted the missile as a cornerstone of its defense strategy. The system was intended to counter India's Cold Start Doctrine-a military strategy that emphasizes rapid, limited conventional strikes to achieve strategic objectives before escalation. However, the missile's poor performance in combat has undermined its strategic value, leaving Pakistan's defense planners grappling with questions about the program's viability. The challenges facing the Fatah-l program highlight broader issues in Pakistan's defense industry, including potential limitations in quality control, manufacturing processes, and technological expertise. While Pakistan has made strides in developing indigenous defense systems, the recurring failures of the Fatah-I suggest that significant improvements are needed to ensure operational reliability. For India, the Fatah-l's shortcomings provide a strategic advantage, reinforcing confidence in its own missile and defense systems. However, the situation also underscores the volatile nature of the regional arms race, where technological advancements and reliability are critical to maintaining deterrence.
