The US decision to lift the hold on the sale of military items to Bahrain’s armed forces will ‘enhance ongoing security partnership as the kingdom continues to counter the mounting threat posed by terrorism and extremism in the region,’ the Foreign Ministry said.

“The kingdom is also committed to the long-term safety of its citizens and to those of its GCC neighbours,” said a statement.

The US State Department said it was lifting the hold, citing ‘meaningful progress’ on human rights.

“We believe it is important to recognise that the government of Bahrain has made meaningful progress on human rights reforms and reconciliation,” it said.

“As recognised by the State Department, the kingdom has implemented wide-ranging reforms, and remains committed to enhancing accountability and transparency, and safeguarding individual rights and justice,” said the ministry.

US officials did not specify what weaponry or security equipment or systems would be transferred to Bahrain.

However, they did stress that, apart from items that meet a clear counter-terrorism need, the US ‘will maintain restrictions on security sales to the Bahrain Ministry of Interior.’ - TradeArabia News Service