The United States and Bahrain are collaborating on the Geospatial Acceleration Initiative to improve navigation for their maritime forces in the Middle East.
The cooperation will see the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and several Bahraini organizations generate and share hydrographic, aeronautical and topographic geospatial foundation data, ensuring freedom of navigation in the region’s waters.
The White House said in a press release that Bahrain has been playing a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in the region, extending support to several multinational efforts, including programs that promote safe navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The project aligns with the United States’ commitment to working closely with partners and allies to better address society’s challenges, it added.
The Geospatial Acceleration Initiative builds on the 2023 Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, designed to promote closer cooperation between the two nations in developing innovative solutions for defense applications.