Bahrain Honors UAE President with New Air Force Squadron
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, welcomed His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, upon his arrival on a visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain today.
Both leaders later attended the joint Bahraini-UAE military exercise Rabdan Shuwaiman, held with the participation of the UAE Presidential Guard’s Hamad bin Isa Airborne Brigade and the Royal Guard of the Bahrain Defence Force. The event underscores the deep and historic defence cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
Upon their arrival at the exercise site, His Majesty the King and His Highness the UAE President were received by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force; National Security Adviser and Royal Guard Commander Lt-Gen HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council and Director of the Exercise; along with senior officers from both countries.
His Majesty expressed appreciation for His Highness Shaikh Mohammed’s visit, stating:
"We are delighted with the organisation of the Rabdan Shuwaiman military exercise, which has strengthened our joint defence capabilities and enhanced military cooperation. Naming the participating units after us is a personal honour rooted in the legacy of our forefathers. All our armed forces are your armed forces, and coordination between our militaries will continue to advance, God willing."
In a significant gesture reflecting deep bilateral ties, His Majesty ordered that a squadron of the Royal Bahraini Air Force be named the “Mohammed bin Zayed Squadron”, honouring Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s efforts in reinforcing longstanding fraternal relations and cooperation between both nations.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed expressed gratitude for the gesture, praising the high level of skill and professionalism displayed during the exercise and wishing both countries continued prosperity and stability.
During the event, both leaders received a detailed briefing on the exercise’s progress and objectives. King Hamad commended HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his role in enhancing the combat readiness and capabilities of the Royal Guard, affirming the pride Bahrain holds in its defence personnel.
His Majesty then awarded the Medal of Efficiency to several officers of the UAE Presidential Guard’s Hamad bin Isa Airborne Brigade:
-
Maj-Gen Ali Saif Al Kaabi
-
Maj-Gen Awadh Saeed Al Ahbabi
-
Brig-Gen Yaqoub Yousef Al Ali
-
Brig-Gen Ahmed Ali Al Shehhi
-
Brig-Gen Saeed Khamis Al Yamahi
HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa also presented commemorative gifts to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
The ceremony concluded with commemorative photos alongside participants, followed by a flypast by the newly named “Mohammed bin Zayed Squadron” of the Royal Bahraini Air Force.
Related Posts