Commander-in-Chief attends Bridge-17 final stage

Manama, Oct. 23 (BNA): Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa today attended the final phase of the joint naval exercise Bridge-17 held with the participation of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) and Saudi Eastern Fleet. BDF Commander-in-Chief was received upon arrival by Inspector General Maj-Gen Abdullah Hassan Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Chief of Staff for Supply and Logistics Rear Admiral Yusuf Ahmed Mal-Allah, RBNF Commander Rear Admiral Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, a number of senior officers of the BDF and Saudi Eastern Fleet. BDF Commander-in-Chief praised the high capabilities of the modern Royal Saudi Navy Forces, noting the many achievements made in various fields thanks to the military cooperation among the Gulf states. He pointed out the Royal directives on promoting cooperation with the Gulf countries, noting the significance of the joint exercises in raising combat readiness needed to maintain the Gulf security and stability. He expressed appreciation of the efforts of Saudi fleet's officers throughout the exercise, which is a sincere interpretation of the joint goals. He added the Saudi participation reflects the two leaders' keenness to move forward toward strengthening military cooperation between the two forces, reinforcing the Gulf military cooperation and establishing an integrated military strategy capable of confronting the challenges and maintaining security and stability in the region. He said the exercise aims to enhance the military expertise and combat readiness to meet the requirements of the modern military power, pointing out the Royal directives on upgrading the BDF constantly in respect of arming and training. He lauded the good outcomes achieved throughout the stages of the exercise, expressing thanks to all efforts were behind the success of the exercise. He stressed the importance of conducting similar exercises among the Gulf countries to bolster coordination, cooperation and raising combat readiness to reinforce the Gulf defence capabilities.