Bahrain's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received here on Tuesday commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, US 5th Fleet Samuel Paparo, and Chargé d'Affairs of the United States Embassy in Bahrain Margaret Nardi. Bahrain's Public Security Chief Major-General Tariq Hassan Al Hassan and commander of the Coast Guard Major General Al-Bahari were also present in the meeting, the Bahrain News Agency reported. During the meeting, the interior minister praised the close and strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States, noting the importance of continuous cooperation with regard to maritime security, while the US side stressed the development of joint cooperation on the basis that the goal is one and serves both sides. The US representatives expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by Bahrain's interior ministry in order to maintain security and enhance public safety. They also discussed areas of security coordination, in addition to a number of issues of common concern. — SG
