The United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain unveiled the Geospatial Acceleration Initiative at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue on December 7. Through this initiative, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) will collaborate with Bahraini stakeholders to produce and share hydrographic, aeronautical and topographic geospatial foundation data.
This initiative stems from the advanced technology track of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, signed in 2023, which strengthened U.S.-Bahraini collaboration in defense, security, and cutting-edge technology development.
As stated in the White House release, “The enduring U.S.-Bahrain partnership, rooted in decades of mutual trust and shared goals, is a testament to the power of collaboration. Together, through innovative initiatives like the Geospatial Acceleration Initiative, we reaffirm our resolve to confront today’s challenges with ingenuity and unity. This partnership continues to serve as a cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity for both nations and beyond.”
This arrangement will provide opportunities to update and expand cooperation, define geospatial needs, and advance this critical partnership. Specifically, it will promote safety of navigation by:
- Facilitating the exchange of topographic and other mapping and charting data
- Allowing greater access to commercial imagery
- Creating collaboration space for the partners to work
Through the Geospatial Acceleration Initiative and the advanced C-SIPA tech track, this partnership will enhance navigation safety for both military forces and bolster maritime security across the region. This agreement is an ambitious step forward in one of the Middle East’s longest-standing and most valued strategic partnerships.
Source: NGA
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