Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Khalifa met with a senior US official on Monday to discuss security and bilateral issues as unrest continues in the Gulf country, DPA reported.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman "reiterated US interest in maintaining security and stability in the kingdom as well as the existing joint partnership between the two nations," according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They also discussed "the kingdom's keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation further between the two nations, in many areas."
The US State Department had announced earlier that Feltman would hold talks with different parties, in reference to opposition groups.
This is Feltman's fifth visit to Bahrain since pro-reform protests broke out on February 14. He held meetings with the opposition during previous visits last month.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates also visited Bahrain last month, just a day before Saudi Arabian-led troops entered Bahrain to help quell protests.
The United States had called for dialogue between the different sides in order to end the stand-off between protesters and the authorities.
At least 20 people have been killed during government crackdowns on protesters, including four who died in police custody. Four policemen were also killed, according to the ministry of interior.
Around 400 people have been arrested, and more than 100 have been sacked from their jobs for taking part in the rallies.
More than 80 per cent of the million-strong population is Muslim - two-thirds are Shiites - while the ruling family are Sunnis. Many Shiites feel discriminated against.
Human rights groups have criticized the government for using force against demonstrators.
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