Secretary Of Defense Visits Bahrain

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Snodgrass | U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates walks with Gen. David Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet and other regional leaders at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Gates was in Bahrain to attend the 5th annual International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue security forum, Dec. 12 -14.  

12.12.2008

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office

MANAMA, Bahrain - U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates visited U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters in Bahrain, prior to the start of the 5th annual International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue, which begins later today.

While at NAVCENT, Gates met with General David Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and other senior U.S. and Gulf officials to discuss regional security issues.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase the Navy's commitment to the region," said Gortney. "We will continue to work with our partners in the region to help ensure security and stability to build a lawful maritime order. We've been here for 60 years and we'll be here for many more to come."

Gates said there were a number of issues to be addressed at the conference, which will conclude, Dec. 14.

The Manama Dialogue is a symposium designed for security representatives from Persian Gulf States and other nations to discuss security and stability in the region.

While in the Middle East, Gates will visit numerous countries to discuss regional security with his foreign counterparts as well as the King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This is Gates' first trip to the Kingdom of Bahrain since Dec. 2007.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2008
• Date Posted: 12.12.2008 12:01
• Story ID: 27590