HM King attends North Thunder military show

Manama, March 11 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attended today "North Thunder" military show, at an invitation by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Ground, air and naval forces from 20 Arab and Islamic countries, including Bahrain, as well as the Peninsula Shield Forces are taking part in the major Saudi-led mobilisation exercise which is deemed one of the largest military drills in the world to boost combat competence and readiness to carry out joint missions by the participating forces in order to preserve regional security and ward off challenges and terrorist organisations. HM the King, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Arab and Islamic leaders and senior commanders of the participating forces watched the military show held in King Khalid Military City in Hafar Al Batin in Saudi Arabia. HM the King expressed happiness about attending the parade, paying tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the invitation. He took pride in Bahrain’s participation in "North Thunder" military exercise and show, lauding deep-rooted historic relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. He commended fraternal ties binding the GCC countries as well as solid links between Arab, Islamic and friendly countries. HM the King underlined the importance of joint action to protect people in the GCC, Arab and Islamic countries and boost readiness to confront the terrorist organisations. He added that the large participation in the exercise reflects Saudi Arabia’s high international standing and mutual respect characterising its relations with Arab, Islamic and friendly countries. He said Bahrain has always stood one rank with brotherly and friendly countries in many military and humanitarian missions, stressing commitment to working together to foster regional and global peace and security. HM the King stressed keenness on continuous participation of the BDF forces as part of the Saudi-led Arab alliance to support legitimacy in Yemen and ensure security and prosperity to the Yemeni people. He praised Saudi Arabia forces’ comprehensive development thanks to the wise leadership of King Salman, stressing their major role to protect Saudi Arabia, preserve regional and international security and defend hard-won civilisational gains. HM King Hamad congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the leaders of the participating countries and the officials in charge on the major success of the drill. He also congratulated the Saudi troops and their counterparts from the participating countries on the outstanding achievement, wishing all further success.