Counselor Chollet travelled to Kuwait and Bahrain from November 29 to December 1 to advance multiple U.S. foreign policy priorities. Meeting with a range of senior Kuwaiti and Bahraini governmental officials and others, the Counselor discussed the Administration’s affirmative framework for engagement in the Middle East and North Africa, enhancing partnerships for improved regional security and stability, promoting regional integration, and geostrategic challenges like Russia and the PRC.
Counselor Chollet reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Kuwait to advance defense, counterterrorism, cybersecurity cooperation, and regional diplomacy, as well as bilateral trade and investment. He also discussed efforts to address climate change, and support for health, educational, and cultural partnerships. In his meeting with H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for American Affairs Nawaf Abdullatif Al-Ahmed, Counselor Chollet expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression. Meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly Ahmed Al Saadoun, Counselor Chollet discussed the new cabinet and National Assembly following the recently concluded elections.
In Bahrain, Counselor Chollet discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including deepening our enduring partnership with Bahrain and supporting priorities, including continued progress on the Negev Forum, bilateral security cooperation, and human rights. With His Highness Major General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Chollet reinforced the strong U.S. commitment to Bahrain and the region, and our strong and growing security partnership. He met with His Excellency Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to discuss regional issues as well as Bahrain’s commendable ongoing efforts to fight trafficking in persons. He also met with His Excellency Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to discuss the broad cooperation between the United States and Bahrain, including expanding relationships on trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. Counselor Chollet and His Excellency Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa discussed the importance of regional integration and cooperation. Counselor Chollet looks forward to continuing to work with Bahrain and other partners to advance peace, prosperity, and regional integration through the Negev Forum, which brings together Israel, Bahrain, the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and the United States.