The central mosque in Bahrain, a chain of islands in the Persian Gulf which maintain their Islamic roots but have opened to Western trade -- drawing weekend-seeking Saudis in pursuit of a beer -- and have played host to the U.S. Navy for years. Photos by Mark Silva

by Mark Silva, and updated overnight

MANAMA, Bahrain -- President Bush became the first sitting American president to visit this wealthy island nation that serves as home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet today, part of a five-nation tour of Arab states seeking support for U.S. policies in the region.

"I am really honored to be the first U.S. sitting president to have visited your country,'' Bush told the king upon his arrival today. "Perhaps I should say, it's about time.

"The American people have a long friendship with the people of Bahrain,'' Bush said. "For decades, Bahrain has welcomed the United States Navy -- and is now home to our Fifth Fleet.''

And, if the U.S. faces hurdles with its Middle East policy in other Arab quarters, this international trading post and Westernized Gulf state is highly supportive of Bush's push for peace between Israel and the Palestinians -- government ministers said here that they also support sanctions against Iran for nuclear development, though the U.S. should refrain from "sabre-rattling'' in its public approach toward the the Iranians.

King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Hhalifa told Bush here that this "is a historical opportunity to see the realization of your vision for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state, side-by-side with Israel, a a time such a vision is being demanded by world's conscience.''

OId and new: Downtown Manama features some striking skyscrapers, angular buildings and some that evoke the image of sails on the shores of this Gulf city.

"Two years ago, I was pleased to sign legislation that strengthened our friendship and our relationship with the free trade agreement with Bahrain -- it's America's first such agreement with any nation in the Gulf,'' he said. "This agreement is helping to pave way to freer and fairer trade between our countries -- so we can create jobs and opportunity and hope in both our lands.

"Our two nations share a common vision for the future of the Middle East,'' the president said. "Through our alliance, we share the burdens and risks of maintaining security, as well as defending freedom throughout the region. We also believe in the power of democratic reform.'

This nation, Bush noted, has held free elections since 2000 -- and in 2006 elected a woman to parliament. "Bahrain's reforms are making your nation stronger,'' Bush said. "You're showing strong leadership, and you're showing the way forward for other nations.''

Bush has come here to speak of his vision for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, as well as his concern about what he perceives as the continuing threat posed by Iran. There is a first-class Iranian restaurant in the hotel where the press is stayng, and the government is throwing a reception for the press this evening. So there may be little news here for now.

Simply new: With free trade comes Western icons.