HM King patronises military drill

Manama, Feb. 5 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), patronised today the “Power of Determination” joint mobilisation drill conducted by BDF with live ammunition with the participation of forces from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to mark the 50th anniversary of BDF. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister also attended the military exercise. HM the King was welcomed on arrival by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Defence Minister Lieutenant General Yusef bin Ahmed Al Jalahma, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Dhiab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi and senior officers. HM King Hamad 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, HM the King was welcomed by Saudi Chief of Staff General Abdulrahman bin Salah Al Banyan, the UAE Chief of Staff Lieutenant General 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.  HM the King listened to a briefing on the military exercise. Then, the participating forces carried out the missions assigned to them with great precision and dexterity. HM the King congratulated the BDF personnel and Bahraini people on the 50th anniversary of BDF, lauding constant keenness of the BDF affiliates to assume their national duties, contribute to the kingdom’s comprehensive development march and support the efforts to maintain regional and international peace and stability. He paid homage to late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa for laying the cornerstone of BDF and shaping Bahrain’s development. He described the BDF anniversary as a milestone in the national march and a source of pride as it revives acts of heroism and sacrifice of the forefathers.  HM the King thanked His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier for their support to Bahrain armed forces and role in boosting their capabilities. He also thanked the BDF Commander-in-Chief for his unrelenting efforts to ensure more development for BDF, praising the BDF personnel’s dedication in serving the nation. HM the King welcomed the participating forces from the Kingdom of 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 professional level and high morale of the BDF personnel and their brethren from the participating countries. HM the King underlined the need to continue holding such drills to boost the combat readiness, asserting that BDF will always remain the bulwark of the nation and a force of goodness and peace. At the end of the celebration, HRH the Crown Prince presented a commemorative gift to HM the King marking the occasion. The BDF Commander-in-Chief also presented a commemorative gift to HRH the Crown Prince. Meanwhile, the Royal Guard Commander Brigadier Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented a gift to HM the King (a military car used by BDF in 1985) on the occasion. Bahrain TV will broadcast a special programme on the drill after the 8 o’clock news tomorrow evening.