MANAMA — Bahrain’s Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, held a meeting on Tuesday with Sir John Chipman, the former Executive Chairman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), to discuss regional security, mutual cooperation, and the evolving role of strategic think tanks.
The meeting was attended by Major General Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Deputy Chief of Police.
During the session, the Interior Minister underscored the importance of maintaining open channels of international communication and exchanging high-level perspectives on global stability.
Sheikh Rashid highly praised the leadership and wisdom of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in successfully confronting Iranian aggression and managing the resulting emergency circumstances. The Minister emphasized that His Majesty consistently places national identity, institutional strength, and the rule of law at the forefront of the Kingdom’s priorities. He also commended the continuous oversight of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in driving the nation’s development projects forward.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the critical value that scientific research and strategic studies bring to modern decision-making. Sheikh Rashid expressed his appreciation for institutions like the IISS, noting that their advanced insights help leadership circles constructively navigate rapid regional changes.
In particular, the Minister lauded the IISS for its ongoing contributions to global peace, highlighting the annual “Manama Dialogue” as a premier international platform for intellectual exchange on security and defense issues.
The meeting concluded with both sides exploring pathways to further enhance joint coordination, share specialized expertise, and review the latest regional and international developments.