[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 23 (Monday, June 8, 1998)]
[Pages 1009-1010]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

[[Page 1010]]

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.