The King meets BDF personnel
Manama: His Majesty King Hamad, the Supreme Commander, yesterday hailed brave BDF personnel and their vital role in preserving the security and stability of the country.
He congratulated officers on BDF anniversary, describing the force as a milestone in the national march and a source of pride for citizens.
He patronised a joint mobilisation drill organised by the BDF with participation of forces from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, attended.
The King was welcomed on arrival by BDF Commander-in-Chief Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Defence Minister Lieutenant General Yusef Al Jalahma, Chief of Staff Lt Gen Dhiab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi and senior officers.
The King was accompanied by Royal Guard Commander Brigadier Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
On arrival at the celebration venue, His Majesty was welcomed by Saudi Chief of Staff General Abdulrahman bin Salah Al Banyan, the UAE Chief of Staff Lt Gen Hamad bin Mohammed Al Romaithi and the Peninsula Shield Joint Forces Commander Major General Walid bin Falah Al Dhaheri, who congratulated him on the 50th anniversary of BDF.
The King listened to a briefing on the military exercise. The participating forces carried out the missions assigned to them with great precision and dexterity.
The King thanked His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince for their support to Bahrain’s armed forces and their vital role in boosting their capabilities.
He also thanked the BDF Commander-in-Chief for his unrelenting efforts to ensure more development for BDF.
The King welcomed the participating forces from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, commending the efforts made to deter terrorism.
“Challenges facing the region require rallying ranks and constant readiness,” he stressed, lauding the mobilisation exercise which, he said, reflects the professionalism and high morale of the BDF personnel and their brethren from the participating countries.
The King underlined the need to continue holding such drills to boost combat readiness, asserting that BDF will always remain the bulwark of the nation and a force of goodness and peace.
The Crown Prince presented a commemorative gift to the King marking the occasion.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief also presented a commemorative gift to the Crown Prince.
Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser gifted the King a military car used by BDF in 1985 to mark the occasion. Bahrain TV will broadcast a special programme on the drill after the 8pm news tonight.
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