bahrainthismonth.com | SEPTEMBER 2026 INTERVIEW 19 What does America’s 250th anniversary mean to Americans today, and what message would you like to share with the people of Bahrain? It’s a time to celebrate our core values of liberty and opportunity, but on a real and more personal level, it is really about bringing communities and families together in a spirit of unity, patriotism and fun. When we talk about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, these aren’t just American ideals. They are universal values that find deep resonance right here in Bahrain. I was deeply touched to see Bahrain’s beautiful landmarks lit up in red, white and blue on July 4 to celebrate our 250th anniversary. My message to Bahrain is simple: thank you for your friendship and hospitality. It is the honour of my career to serve as the United States Ambassador to Bahrain. I know Bahrainis and Americans will continue to be bound together by our shared values and commitment to regional security and prosperity. How is the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain marking America’s 250th anniversary, and what can readers expect from the celebrations? We are so excited to bring the vibrant spirit of “Freedom 250” to life right here in Manama! Looking ahead, we hope to soon announce details of a mutually significant cultural preservation project we’re doing in cooperation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. And we have some high profile sports diplomacy programmes in the works for this autumn…so stay tuned. At its heart, this celebration is a tribute to our enduring partnership and how closely our two governments continue working together to build a future that directly benefits the people of both nations. It will feature American music, classic dishes and elements of U.S. culture. What has enabled the relationship between Bahrain and the United States to remain so enduring? It is remarkable that our connection actually predates our formal diplomatic ties in 1971. It began in the late 19th century through community service, starting with those first American missionaries, the establishment of the American Mission Hospital in 1889 and the founding of Bahrain’s first modern school in 1903. What keeps this partnership so incredibly strong is the profound realisation that our destinies are bound together by common values, namely, a deep, shared dedication to faith, family and supporting our neighbours. Where do you see the greatest opportunities to deepen the Bahrain–U.S. relationship in the coming years? While our deep strategic and military cooperation, exemplified by Bahrain hosting U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, remains a cornerstone of regional security, we are actively expanding into new horizons. During our latest Strategic Dialogue, we committed to widening our academic and English-language programmes to support local workforce development. We have also launched a wonderful cultural heritage agreement to protect local history and combat illicit antiquities trafficking. Which sectors offer the strongest prospects for future bilateral trade, investment and innovation? Our trade relationship is vibrant, with trade and services totalling nearly $4 billion in 2025, supported by major U.S. anchors like Mondelez, American Express and WestPoint Home that create vital local opportunities. For instance, Gulf Air’s purchase of Boeing aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines serves as a win for workforce development and innovation in both countries. Active collaborations in energy, digital technology and entrepreneurship will continue to intertwine our economic destinies for generations to come. Additionally, each year more Bahrainis avail of opportunities to generate revenues in the lucrative U.S. market. How important are educational exchanges and youth engagement in strengthening ties between Bahrainis and Americans? People-to-people links are the heartbeat of our relationship. Since more than 30 percent of the population in Bahrain is under the age of 25, our focus is naturally on aligning our common values to shape a better future for our youth. Educational and professional exchanges like the Fulbright Program and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) allow young leaders to build lifelong global networks and collaborate on solving global challenges. A fantastic real-world example of this is our collaboration during the Ministry of Youth’s recent Youth City summer programme. In partnership with Microsoft, we sponsored handson certification training in cutting-edge platforms like Azure and Copilot, equipping more than 40 talented young Bahrainis with highly employable digital skills. I had the absolute pleasure of joining aspiring journalists from Al-Ayam at Youth City to share media tips and conduct practice interviews. What have been your impressions of Bahrain since returning as Ambassador, and what has made the strongest impression on you? Returning to Bahrain is a wonderful homecoming for me. Having served here ten years ago, I am truly honoured to come back as ambassador. The hospitality of the Bahraini people is legendary; there is a warmth here you simply cannot find anywhere else. What has made the deepest impression on me is how effortlessly our common values bring us together. Both Americans and Bahrainis share a profound dedication to faith, family and country. What would you most like to accomplish as Ambassador, and what is your message to readers about the future of Bahrain–U.S. relations? My goal is to continue transforming our strong strategic alliance into an even more resilient, multi-dimensional partnership where economic, educational and cultural ties take centre stage. Bahrain holds a very special place in my heart, and I am proud to say the United States is fully committed to working side-by-side with Bahrain as we build a secure, prosperous and bright future.
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