Hagel, Bahraini Crown Prince Meet at Pentagon

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Hagel, Bahraini Crown Prince Meet at Pentagon 06/07/2013 07:36 PM CDT Hagel, Bahraini Crown Prince Meet at Pentagon American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 7, 2013 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with Bahraini Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa at the Pentagon today, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel welcomes Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al Khalifa to the Pentagon, June 7, 2013. The two leaders met to discuss matters of mutual concern. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. In a statement issued after the meeting, Little said Hagel underscored the importance of the defense relationship, which is the foundation of the nearly seven-decade U.S.-Bahrain bilateral partnership. Hagel also thanked Crown Prince Salman for Bahrain's hosting of U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters and support to thousands of Department of Defense personnel and their families deployed to Bahrain, Little said. Hagel congratulated the crown prince on his appointment as first deputy prime minister and indicated he looked forward to working with the crown prince in his new capacity to expand cooperation between the two nations, Little said. Hagel and the crown prince discussed numerous regional security issues including the crisis in Syria, he added. The secretary made clear U.S. support for Bahrain's security and stability and noted that meaningful and sustained political reform and respect for all citizens' rights is the only way to achieve a durable and stable Bahrain, Little said. To that end, the secretary commended King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa's calling of the national dialogue and urged all sides to continue constructive dialogue to realize a political solution, Little said. Hagel concluded the meeting by affirming support for the crown prince and his work in advancing reform and dialogue in Bahrain, Little said.   Biographies: Chuck Hagel Related Sites: U.S. State Department Background Note on Bahrain   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense