LONDON: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will travel to the Middle East on Thursday to meet with leaders in Bahrain and the UAE.

In Bahrain, Austin will meet with senior government officials to affirm the strength of the US’ defense partnership and discuss joint priorities in the Middle East, the department of defence said.

He will also deliver remarks at the annual International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue that will reaffirm the US resolve to advance and strengthen enduring defense partnerships and commitment to the long-standing US leadership role in strengthening regional security and stability.

The Manama Dialogue will take place from Nov. 19-21 and will bring together defense ministers and other high-ranking government officials from across the Middle East region and beyond.

In the UAE, Austin will meet with senior government officials to reaffirm the importance of the US- UAE strategic partnership.

He will also take the opportunity to visit service members deployed and stationed with the US Naval Forces Central Command and US Air Forces Central Command in both countries, and wish them a happy Thanksgiving week.