Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa stressed on Friday Manama’s deep pride in its close relations and strong partnership with the United States, which extends over 120 years of coordination and cooperation to achieve shared interests at all levels, reported Bahrain’s news agency (BNA). He made his remarks during a meeting in Manama with visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. King Hamad stressed the importance of such visits in developing cooperation at all levels, especially in the political, economic and defense areas. He expressed the Kingdoms keenness to consolidate its relations with the US in order to serve the common aspirations and interests of their peoples, noting the active role of the US community and its contribution to the Kingdoms comprehensive progress. He stressed that the US community is always hailed and appreciated by the people of Bahrain. The talks also covered the latest regional and international developments. King Hamad hailed Washington’s global role and contribution to the consolidation of security, stability and international peace. For his part, Pompeo congratulated King Hamad on the successful parliamentary and municipal elections that were held in Bahrain last year. He stressed that Bahrain was steadily moving forward on the right path to maintain its stability and the continuity of development and progress. He also praised the strong ties between Manama and Washington, which continue to grow in all fields. Pompeo had embarked on a nine-nation tour of the Middle East on Monday in wake of President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw American troops from Syria. He was also in the region to deliver the US administration’s anti-Iran message given its malicious role in the area. He has so far visited Jordan, Iraq and Egypt and is set to make trips to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait.