US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel confirmed Friday that he will participate in the 9th Manama Dialogue, one important regional security summit in the Middle East starting in December in Bahrain.

John Chipman, Director-General and Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), said in a statement that "the US defense and security engagement in the region is of great importance, and Hagel's presence at the summit will help bolster communication between the region and America."

In its 9th year, the Manama Dialogue provides a forum for the national security establishments of the participating states to exchange views on regional security challenges. It also facilitates private bilateral and multilateral meetings between participating states to advance policy goals.

Up to now, some 20 countries' foreign and defense ministers, as well as dozens of senior national security officials, have already confirmed to join the meeting.

The summit this year is poised to address key security issues in the Gulf and Middle East region and the management of Islam and sectarianism in politics, as well as the integration and military cooperation among the Gulf countries.