Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem this week signed an Enhanced Border Security Partnership with General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Minister of the Interior for Bahrain.
The agreement strengthens the relationship between the U.S. and Bahrain, officials said, and will help further safeguard both countries while deterring illegal immigrations and stopping the flow of drugs, trafficked individuals and terrorists between the two countries. The agreement will facilitate the automated exchange of biometric data between Bahrain and DHS and will prevent criminals, terrorists and fraudulent actors from traveling to and obtaining benefits in the U.S.
“Today, I was honored to host Bahrain’s Minister of the Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, to announce and sign an Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP) between the United States and Bahrain. This partnership will help Bahrain and the U.S. further safeguard both countries, deter illegal immigration, and stop the flow of drugs, trafficked individuals, and terrorists—making both our countries even more secure,” Noem said.
Bahrain hosts the largest U.S. Coast Guard installation in the world outside of the U.S. With six Fast Response Cutters and more than 300 personnel, the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia protects America’s national security by stopping arms, narcotics and other threats in the region.
“Thanks to our work with international partners like Bahrain, we are making America safe again. And by making America safer, we are making the world safer as well,” Noem said.