United States and Bahrain Renew Commitments to Strengthen Cultural Heritage Cooperation
January 28, 2026
New Statement Builds on Five Years of Work Between Both Countries to Counter the Illicit Trade
The Antiquities Coalition welcomes the announcement of renewed cultural heritage cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, reflecting an ongoing shared commitment to combat the illicit trade in cultural property and protect consumers in both countries.
In Manama on January 27, a new statement on cooperation in cultural heritage was signed by His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
This updated statement builds upon the principles outlined in the landmark 2021 Manama Statement of Cooperation, which emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage through international partnership.
Together, Bahrain—a growing leader in the region on cultural heritage preservation—and the United States—the world’s largest art and antiquities market—are uniquely positioned to make meaningful progress in disrupting cultural racketeering networks and promoting responsible market practices.
The new statement reflects a strengthened bilateral focus on:
- Enhancing the exchange of information to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural property
- Sharing best practices and raising awareness of legal protections for heritage
- Supporting networks dedicated to combating the illicit trade in art and antiquities
- Promoting responsible art market standards and advancing cultural exchange
The governments of Bahrain and the United States are to be commended for their continued leadership and dedication to safeguarding our shared cultural heritage. Building on the momentum of the 2021 Manama Statement, this new statement signals that when nations work together, meaningful change remains possible.