Pentagon Spokesman Tom Crosson provided the following readout:
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro traveled to Jordan, Bahrain, and Qatar from December 4-9 to consult with regional partners and reinforce U.S. commitment to regional security and stability.
DASD Shapiro began his trip in Jordan where he met with senior Jordanian defense officials to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Jordan strategic partnership throughout 75 years of diplomatic relations. During his visit, DASD Shapiro highlighted the United States' unwavering support of Jordan as a valued partner in promoting security and stability in the Middle East region.
In Bahrain, DASD Shapiro attended the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Manama Dialogue and participated in a panel discussion, "Defence Challenges in a Complex World" alongside counterparts from Brazil, Canada, and Hungary. On the margins, DASD Shapiro met with a range of allies and partners, including senior officials from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Czechia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. During these engagements, DASD Shapiro discussed regional security concerns, including the situation in Syria, efforts to implement the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah, U.S. and partner efforts to address Houthi destabilizing activities in the Red Sea and to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, and opportunities to build on security integration in support of a more resilient and secure region.
He also met with senior Bahraini government officials, including Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor HRH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Bahrain Defense Force Commander-in-Chief Field Marshall Sheikh Khalifa Al Khalifa. In these discussions, DASD Shapiro reviewed key bilateral defense issues, and conveyed U.S. appreciation for Bahrain's generous hosting of USNAVCENT and participation in a range of U.S.-led regional security initiatives, including Operation PROSPERITY GUARDIAN. He further congratulated Bahrain on the United Kingdom's intent to accede to the September 2023 Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), announced during the Manama Dialogue, which constitutes an opportunity to further expand the region's multilateral security architecture in support of resilience.
DASD Shapiro concluded his trip in Qatar, where he visited U.S. and coalition forces at Al Udeid Air Base and met with Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General Jassim Mohammed Ahmed Al Mannai and Chief of the International Military Cooperation Authority, Brigadier General Abdulaziz Al Sulaiti. During these engagements, DASD Shapiro conveyed appreciation for Qatar's hosting of U.S. and coalition forces and reviewed key bilateral defense issues, including foreign military sales and joint interoperability. He also exchanged views on regional security issues, including Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to deliver a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.
