Bahrain embassy celebrates BDF 50th anniversary

London, Feb. 6 (BNA): Bahrain’s embassy in the United Kingdom celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). The celebration took place at the Army and Navy Club in London with a reception and photo exhibition showcasing historical moments in the history of the BDF and aspects of Bahrain-UK defence cooperation. The ambassador, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, welcomed the guests and in his opening remarks recognised the BDF’s outstanding role in protecting the security and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and in maintaining stability throughout the Gulf region and beyond. “The defence cooperation between Bahrain and the United Kingdom has been one of the pillars of regional security for many decades, and it is truly appropriate that we should be here today to celebrate these ties, just as the new UK Naval Facility in Juffair is beginning its operations,” he said. Sir Glenn Torpy, BAE Sytems’ Senior Military Advsior and former Air Chief Marshal, spoke about the strength and effectiveness of the defence cooperation between the two kingdoms that has been so vital to regional security. He added that the defence cooperation goes further than the establishment of the BDF. In his remarks, Sir Torpy reflected on Bahrain’s assistance during the WWII in supplying the Royal Air Force with Six Spitfire aircrafts during a time of need. He concluded by wishing the Bahrain and UK many further years of close and beneficial bilateral cooperation and prosperity. The event featured a photo exhibition which commemorated the historical moments of the BDF and the longstanding relationship between the two kingdoms. The event was attended by Lord Richards, former Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Glenn Torpy, BAe senior military adviser and retired Air Chief Marshal, Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer, Senior Defence Advisor, Ministry of Defence, Major General Nanson, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhust, Brigadier Peter Sincock, Chairman of the Bahrain Society, Lt. Col. Anthony Royce from Ministry of Defence, and Lt Cdr Tony Rundle, Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, along with a number of Bahraini students in Military academies and on BDF scholarships.