Focus on peace, security

Jubail : Considered one of the largest in the world, the Joint Gulf Shield-1 military drill was held yesterday in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia with the participation of 25 countries. 

Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) represented the Kingdom in the drill held in the presence of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. 

The exercise was aimed at improving military readiness, modernise joint mechanisms and enhance coordination and cooperation to maintain regional security and confront all challenges and threats. 

Taking pride in Bahrain’s participation, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa stressed the Kingdom’s resolve to achieve security and peace in the region and the world. 

“Bahrain always stood united with brothers and friends, assuming military and noble humanitarian duties,” said HM the King who attended the ceremony at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. 

His Majesty said that the continuous BDF participation in the Operation Restore Hope, under the Saudi-led Arab Alliance, aims to support justice and peace and provide humanitarian relief aid to the Yemeni brethren. 

Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) took part in the Saudi-led military exercise in Eastern province, among twenty-five countries. 

Before the start of the ceremony, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques received leaders and senior representatives of the brotherly and friendly countries taking part in the drill, in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

The Saudi Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Fayyadh bin Hamid Al-Rwaili delivered a speech, paying tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for patronizing the final ceremony. He said that the Gulf Shield Exercise 1, which represents an extension of previous joint exercises such as the North Thunder Exercise, aims at consolidating security and enhancing the professional competence and combat readiness of the forces taking part in the drill. 

HM the King attended a lunch banquet hosted by the Saudi leader in honour of the Arab leaders attending the conclusion of the Joint Gulf Shield-1 military drill. He then bade farewell to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and thanked him on the kind invitation, wishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its brotherly people further progress and prosperity.