HM the King visits BDF

Manama, May 25 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, today paid a visit to the General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). On arrival, HM the King was welcomed by the BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Defence Affairs Minister Lieutenant-General Yussef bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma, Royal Guard Commander Brigadier-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and a number of senior officers. HM the King was briefed on the BDF's future development plans. HM King Hamad issues directives to continue developing the BDF, voicing pride in the BDF and its brave personnel who are always the protective shield of the cherished nation. The Supreme Commander praised the existing cooperation and coordination among the BDF, the National Guard and the Interior Ministry to assume their noble patriotic duties with courage, determination and discipline, hailing their constant readiness to defend the nation and national unity, as well as the security of the citizens and residents. HM King Hamad lauded the continuous development of the theoretical and practical training programmes of the BDF, extending sincere congratulations on the graduation of the first National Defence session and the eighth Joint Command and Staff session. HM the King stressed the importance of such training sessions in preparing high-level commanders in the fields of command, strategic planning and objective analysis to take strategic decisions in the fields of defence and security. HM King Hamad affirmed that Bahrain stands united with brotherly and friendly countries in carrying out noble humanitarian tasks in order to reinforce peace, security and stability in the region. HM the King wished all brave BDF staff every success in carrying out their patriotic duties.