    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 1, 1998]
    [Pages 856-857]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement on the Visit of His Highness Shaikh Essa Bin Salman
    Al-Khalifa, the Amir of the
    State of Bahrain
    June 1, 1998

        President Clinton received His Highness Shaikh Essa Bin Salman Al-
    Khalifa, the Amir of the State of Bahrain at the White House on June 1,
    1998. The Amir's visit reflects the close and long-standing relationship
    between the State of Bahrain and the United States of America as well as
    the commitment of both governments to high-level consultations on a
    broad range of issues of mutual interest.
        The President and the Amir discussed the deep and enduring ties
    between their two nations, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the
    U.S. Navy's relationship with Bahrain and the one hundredth anniversary
    of the American hospital in Bahrain. The President recognized the United
    States' historic friendship with Bahrain and underscored our commitment
    to build on this strong foundation of partnership by continuing this
    close relationship into the twenty-first century.
        The two parties discussed issues of mutual concern, focusing
    particularly on their shared commitment to peace, security and stability
    in the Middle East. Both His Highness and the President pledged to
    continue their close cooperation in pursuit of a just, comprehensive and
    lasting peace in the Middle East based on Security Council Resolutions
    242 and 338 and the principle of land for peace. The President reviewed
    America's ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the peace process. Bahrain
    expressed its respect and appreciation for these efforts. Both sides
    agreed that the best way to achieve the peace so greatly desired is by
    the full implementation of each side's obligations under the Oslo and
    Washington Accords. The two sides recognized the importance of resuming
    negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks as soon as possible and
    expressed their support for the implementation of Resolutions 425 and
    426.
        The President and the Amir discussed the situation in the Gulf,
    affirming their shared commitment to upholding regional security in the
    face of external threats. Both sides recognized the importance of stable
    boundaries between states, and emphasized the need to resolve the
    outstanding territorial disputes throughout the region by peaceful and
    legitimate means acceptable to the parties.
        The United States and Bahrain call upon Iraq to fully implement all
    Security Council resolutions including full disclosure of its Weapons of
    Mass Destruction. As members of the Security Council, Bahrain and the
    United States continue to support the mission and functioning of the UN
    Special Commission (UNSCOM). Both governments expressed great sympathy
    for the Iraqi people and call upon Iraq to comply fully with all United
    Nations Security Council

    [[Page 857]]

    Resolutions. The two sides agreed that UN Security Council Resolutions
    must be enforced and made clear that the Iraqi government bears sole
    responsibility for the misery of the Iraqi people. They welcomed the
    adoption of Resolution 1153 to expand humanitarian assistance and to
    alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people.
        The two sides reviewed with interest recent developments regarding
    Iranian policy and welcomed the emerging moderate tone in Iran's
    statements. They looked forward to seeing Iranian substantive policies
    consistent with these statements and conducive to the improvement of
    Iran's relations with neighboring states and with the international
    community. They agreed that Iran's continuing commitment to the
    principle of non-interference in the affairs of neighboring states will
    reflect on Tehran's interest in promoting peace and security in the
    region.
        President Clinton and His Highness reviewed international economic
    developments and agreed to continue their close consultations on means
    to improve opportunities for trade and investment in the region. The
    United States recognized the potential of Bahrain's economy due to its
    highly developed infrastructure and suitable environment for investment
    opportunities. They agreed to capitalize on the opportunities presented
    by the United States Economic Dialogue with the Gulf Cooperation Council
    to advance progress and prosperity throughout the region.
        The United States and Bahrain expressed their concern at the
    increased risk of a nuclear arms race escalating and urged India,
    Pakistan and other non-signatory countries to accede to the
    Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Non-Proliferation
    Treaty (NPT) without conditions. The United States and Bahrain also call
    on the Governments of India and Pakistan to announce a moratorium on
    future tests and experimentation on delivery systems. The Amir expressed
    his appreciation for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality accorded
    to him and to his accompanying delegation by President Clinton during
    the visit. The President conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of
    the American people to the citizens of Bahrain and wished His Highness
    good health and long life. His Highness the Amir extended an invitation
    to President Clinton to pay an official visit to the State of Bahrain.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.