MANAMA, Bahrain – US Defense Secretary Robert Gates is visiting the Persian Gulf kingdom of Bahrain to encourage democratic reforms amid continuing street protests.
Gates is the first member of President Barack Obama's Cabinet to visit since Bahrain's protest movement began in mid-February. He flew here from Brussels, where he attended a NATO meeting on Afghanistan.
Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters traveling with Gates that his aim is to reassure Bahrain's rulers that the US remains committed to a partnership that includes Bahrain's hosting of the US Navy's 5th Fleet.
Gates also wants to encourage a national dialogue on political reform.
Morrell said Gates plans to return to the Middle East soon to visit other Arab nations that are dealing with civil unrest and calls for democratic reform.
Gates is the first member of President Barack Obama's Cabinet to visit since Bahrain's protest movement began in mid-February. He flew here from Brussels, where he attended a NATO meeting on Afghanistan.
Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters traveling with Gates that his aim is to reassure Bahrain's rulers that the US remains committed to a partnership that includes Bahrain's hosting of the US Navy's 5th Fleet.
Gates also wants to encourage a national dialogue on political reform.
Morrell said Gates plans to return to the Middle East soon to visit other Arab nations that are dealing with civil unrest and calls for democratic reform.
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