It was a pleasure to welcome back the  Washington Intergovernmental Professionals Group (WIPG) at the end of May for an evening conversation and reception honoring the  Ambassador of Bahrain to the United States, His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla Bin Rashid Al Khalifa.  During his remarks, the Ambassador discussed importance of cultivating business and other bilateral economic partnerships that helps build stronger relations with the United States and other allies. Citing the Bahrain Vision 2030 initiative which aims to transform the economy from oil dependence to a productive, globally competitive economy, the Ambassador stated that this was the key focus of his mission in the United States