Pompeo arrives in Bahrain, first leg of a tour in the Gulf

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Bahrain on Friday, the first leg of a tour of the Gulf's petro-kingdoms, an AFP journalist said.

According to a spokesman for the State Department, partnerships with these Arab countries are essential for the protection of the world's energy supply, the fight against "radical Islamic terrorism" and the retreat of "Iranian aggression".

In Bahrain, headquarters of the Fifth Fleet of the United States, Mr. Pompeo must have a working lunch with King Hamad, Crown Prince Salman and his counterpart, Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, according to his schedule.

Bahrain is "an ardent supporter" to fight "Iran's malicious efforts" in the region, said the spokesman for the State Department.

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