CROWN PRINCE OF BAHRAIN REQUESTS MEETINGS WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000069 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2029 TAGS: PREL OVIP BA SUBJECT: CROWN PRINCE OF BAHRAIN REQUESTS MEETINGS WITH POTUS AND SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICIALS Classified By: Ambassador Adam Ereli for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (SBU) Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa asked Ambassador February 9 to convey his request for an opportunity to meet with the President in Washington. The CP noted that this request had already been conveyed by Bahrain's Washington embassy, and said he would be available at any time. ¶2. (C) The CP said he wanted the meeting in order to set up a visit for his father, King Hamad, at a time convenient to the new administration. The CP and his father would discuss the U.S.-Bahrain security relationship, economic issues, and regional developments, including the tensions between moderate and radical Arab states (see septel.),and ways Bahrain might help. Ambassador undertook to convey the CP's request to Washington. ¶3. (C) Comment: Bahrain punches above its weight in intra-Arab politics, and in GCC governments' calculations on Iran. Crown Prince Salman is one of the region's most forward-looking reformers and a strong supporter of the United States. He and his father have been staunch defenders of American interests in the Gulf. Granting his requests for meetings would be a prudent investment in a relationship that we need. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** ERELI