U.S. Embassy in Bahrain

**U.S. Recognition of Bahraini Independence, 1971.** The United States recognized the State of Bahrain on August 15, 1971, when the Department of State issued a press release to that effect. **Diplomatic Relations** **Establishment of Diplomatic Relationsand the American Embassy in Bahrain, 1971.** Embassy Manama was opened on September 21, 1971, with [John N. Gatch, Jr.](https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/gatch-john-newton-jr) as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. Ambassador William A. Soltzfus, Jr. presented credentials to the government of Bahrain on February 17, 1972 and was resident at Kuwait for the duration of his posting. **Installation of American Ambassador at Manama, 1974.** Ambassador [Joseph W. Twinam](https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/twinam-joseph-wright) presented credentials to the government of Bahrain on June 10, 1974, and became the first American ambassador resident at Embassy Manama.