The dialogue was conducted: Abdullah Ilhami – Editor -in -Chief
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia confirms that the Gulf is a priority for US foreign policy
– A pivotal role for Saudi Arabia in the stability of the region and the formulation of sustainable solutions to the current challenges
– The United States reaffirms its commitment to its historical partnerships with the Gulf states
– The Gulf states are looking at their relationship with Washington in terms of an integrated strategic partnership
– The Gulf – American Summit confirms the commitment of both sides to enhance the strategic partnership
– The general trend revolves around promoting defense coordination and supporting economic growth
The Trump administration is a realistic approach that is based on respecting the sovereignty of its partners
– Bahrain’s geopolitical site makes it a party to any American vision to enhance regional cooperation
In conjunction with the first foreign visit to US President Donald Trump since his return to the White House, which he started from the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the region is witnessing active diplomatic moves that reformulate the Gulf -American relationship in line with the current geopolitical and economic transformations.
President Trump is accompanied by a senior delegation of officials in the American administration, among them the regional spokesman for the US State Department, Samuel and Raburg, who spoke to “Al -Watan” from Riyadh, explaining the features of the new American policy towards the Gulf, the goals of the Gulf -American summit, and the Bahrain site in the strategic partnership, which he described as an indispensable partner with regional stability, in addition to the position on the Gulf openness to other international powers
Samuel also talked about the establishment of a modern alliance with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as Washington seeks to improve the relationship from a traditional security alliance to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The following is the dialogue:
The first axis: President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the American Gulf Summit
President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia is the first since his return to the White House. What messages that this visit carries towards the Gulf and the region?
– President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia bears clear strategic messages confirming that the Gulf region is still at the heart of US foreign policy priorities. The choice of Riyadh as a first station in the first foreign tour since his return to the presidency reflects a firm awareness of the importance of Saudi Arabia and its pivotal role in the security and stability of the region, and in formulating sustainable solutions to the current challenges.
The central message is that the United States reaffirms its commitment to its historical partnerships with the Gulf states, and works to update these partnerships to keep pace with the transformations of the twenty -first century, whether in terms of regional security, integrated economy or innovation. The visit also comes in a very accurate timing to activate the channels of political coordination and expand the frameworks of defense and development cooperation, setting new foundations for a long -term partnership based on mutual interests.
How important is the new American administration attaches to enhancing an alliance with the countries of the Cooperation Council? Are there clear changes in US foreign policy priorities in the Middle East?
– The American administration looks at the Gulf Cooperation Council countries as an indispensable strategic partners, and seeks to upgrade the relationship from a traditional security alliance to a comprehensive strategic partnership that includes the economy, technology, energy, and regional stability.
In light of global geopolitical changes, there is a growing awareness that the stability of the Gulf is a pillar of global security, and therefore Washington is working to update its priorities to reflect this reality. Although the fundamental principles of American policy in the Middle East have not changed – such as supporting partners, combating terrorism, and ensuring energy security – the tools are evolving to reflect more integrated and sustainable approaches, such as promoting smart deterrence, supporting innovation, and enabling allies in formulating regional political solutions.
How do Washington see the aspirations of the Gulf states towards a balanced strategic partnership based on mutual interests, and not only on traditional security support frameworks?
– The United States welcomes these Gulf aspirations and sees them completely consistent with its vision of a more balanced and maturity partnership. The real partnership, in the eyes of Washington, is not only based on providing security support, but also on bilateral and multiple cooperation in vital areas such as digital economy, renewable energy, technological innovation, and higher education.
The American administration realizes that the Gulf states no longer look at their relationship with Washington from a narrow security angle, but rather from an integrated strategic partnership based on exchanging benefits, and matching visions in issues of development and stability.
Therefore, the United States seeks to expand the tools of cooperation and develop the mechanisms of political and economic dialogue, reflecting the maturity of the relationship and turning it into a model to be followed in modern international relations.
The second axis: the outputs of the Gulf -American summit
What are the results expected from the Gulf -American summit held today? Was it compatible with clear priorities for cooperation in the fields of defense, economy, and technology?
– The Gulf -American Summit is an important station to confirm the commitment of the two sides to enhance the strategic partnership, and it is an opportunity to expand areas of cooperation in light of regional and international challenges and changes. While discussions are still ongoing, the general trend revolves around promoting defense coordination, supporting economic growth paths, and expanding cooperation in the fields of technology and innovation.
The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries share a close vision based on the necessity of building practical partnerships that respond to the challenges of regional security, transformations in the energy market, and digital transformation, with a focus on sustainability and integration in the face of crises.
Is there an American orientation to support Gulf integration projects (defensive – economic – digital) as a tool for regional stability?
Yes, the United States is strongly encouraging the efforts of regional integration between the countries of the Cooperation Council, and it sees in these initiatives an effective tool to enhance stability and achieve mutual dependence between partners. Whether in the field of joint defense, digital infrastructure, or cross -border economic projects, Washington considers these steps an indication of the maturity of the inter -Gulf relationship, and supports its development through technical partnerships, exchange of experiences, bilateral and multilateral initiatives. Regional stability cannot be separated from integration between the countries of the region, and the United States sees itself as a supportive partner in this direction.
What is the location of Bahrain within these new strategic understandings, especially in view of its geopolitical location and its role in the stability of the Gulf?
Bahrain is a reliable partner and an active party in the equation of regional stability. Manama and Washington relations extend for decades, and include close cooperation in the fields of defense, combating terrorism, and maritime security coordination. Bahrain’s geopolitical location in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, in addition to its continuous commitment to the Gulf collective action, makes it a major party in any American vision to enhance regional cooperation.
Manama also hosts the headquarters of the American Fifth Fleet, which reflects the depth of the defense relationship between the two countries. In the broader context, Washington welcomes Bahrain’s participation in any Gulf integrated initiatives, and considers it a partner committed to stability and development.
The third axis: Washington’s position on regional and international transformations
How does the current American administration see the openness of the Gulf states to China, Russia and India? Do you see Washington in a legitimate or a challenge to its historical alliance with the Gulf?
The United States respects the right of the Gulf states to diversify their international relations, and realizes that the global system is witnessing an accelerated transformation in the nature of economic and strategic partnerships. What matters to Washington in the first place is that its partnership with the Gulf states remains strong, based on transparency and mutual interests, and that any external openness be carried out in a way that enhances the stability of the region and does not contradict the partnership obligations.
The American administration does not require its “choice” partners between multiple international relations, but it believes that the relationship with the United States is characterized by a strategic depth, a long -term investment in security, economy, and innovation is not necessarily available in other relations. From this standpoint, you do not look at these concessions as an anxiety in itself, but rather as an indication of the development of Gulf policies, as long as it takes place in a framework that preserves stability.
What is the difference between Washington’s position now compared to the previous administration towards the independence of the Gulf decision in building international partnerships?
The President of Trump’s administration pursues a realistic approach based on respecting the sovereignty of its partners, and understanding their national and regional peculiarities. There is an increasing awareness that the Gulf states seek to diversify their partnerships in line with their strategic interests, and Washington deals with this trend with flexibility and openness. Contrary to what may be assumed, the basic principles of American policy – the relationship with the Gulf is still central – but tools and language have evolved to take into account the sensitivity of the stage.
The United States today is seeking a partnership based on mutual trust and long -term coordination, while encouraging the Gulf states to develop their capabilities and enhance their independence within the framework of a coalition that reflects the maturity of the relationship.
Fourth axis: bilateral relations with Bahrain
Bahrain is one of the oldest strategic allies of the United States in the region. What are the most prominent bilateral cooperation paths that are being strengthened today?
The relationship between the United States and Bahrain extends for decades, and it is an advanced model for the strategic partnership in the region. Through deep defense coordination and joint security interests, Bahrain is a basic pillar of the American presence in the Gulf, as it hosts the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet of the US Navy, and contributes an effective role in preserving maritime navigation security, combating terrorism, and promoting regional stability.
In addition to security cooperation, Washington and Manama are working to expand the partnership in the fields of digital economy, infrastructure, and logistical services, with a common interest in enhancing innovation and investment in future sectors. Today, work is done to develop bilateral cooperation in a way that reflects the transformations of the region, and enhances Bahrain’s ability to keep pace with its developmental priorities, within a relationship based on respect and mutual interests.
Are there new American programs in cybersecurity, higher education, renewable energy, or cultural exchange with Bahrain?
The United States and Bahrain are working to enhance their cooperation in strategic areas that are in line with the nature of modern challenges, especially cyber security. This comes within the bilateral strategic dialogue, where the focus is on capacity building, exchanging experiences, and developing digital protection systems to meet the escalating threats in this vital field. The United States is also increasingly interested in supporting Bahrain’s efforts to switch to renewable energy, including exploring cooperation opportunities in areas such as solar energy, hydrogen, and energy efficiency technologies.
This cooperation is part of a broader vision to enhance sustainable development and support Bahrain’s national priorities in diversifying energy sources and achieving environmental security.
