In a ceremony held at the Colin L. Powell Treaty Room in Washington, D.C., U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on nuclear cooperation with Bahrain. This significant development marks an important step towards deepening the civil nuclear partnership between the two nations.
The signing of this MOU represents a major priority for the United States, as reflected in four executive orders issued by President Trump earlier this year. The agreement aims to enhance energy security, advance mutual prosperity through expanded economic cooperation, and promote the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.
“This is an important signing,” said Secretary Rubio. “It serves as a first step towards a deeper civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and Bahrain. We’re all aware of our partnerships already that are in place, whether it’s a free trade agreement or the Fifth Fleet… All these things bring us closer together.”
The U.S.-Bahrain Nuclear Cooperation MOU will allow for the sharing of advanced technology and expertise in the field of nuclear energy. The agreement also underscores the two nations’ commitment to preventing the proliferation of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction as an essential element of regional security.
“The signing of this MOU reinforces our determination to prevent the proliferation of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction,” said Foreign Minister Al Zayani. “We in Bahrain deeply value the chance to benefit from the U.S. world-leading technology and expertise in this field.”
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Next Steps
While details of the agreement are still being finalized, it is expected that cooperation on nuclear technology will be a vital contributor to regional stability and prosperity in the years ahead. The U.S. and Bahraini governments have pledged to work together to implement the MOU’s provisions and ensure that their countries and peoples can fully benefit from its potential and opportunities.
“We’re very concerned about the recent strikes on Syria,” said Secretary Rubio during a press conference following the ceremony. “We want the fighting to stop… We’re talking to both sides, all relevant parties on this and hopefully can bring it to a conclusion.”
The signing of the MOU marks an important milestone in U.S.-Bahrain relations, underscoring the two nations’ commitment to deepening their strategic partnership and promoting regional stability.