Bahrain to host MEMAC alongside BIDEC2017

Manama : Bahrain International Defence Exhibition & Conference (BIDEC 2017) will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and chaired by HH Brigadier-General Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa from October 16-17.  One of the expo’s key features will be the Middle East Military Alliances and Coalitions Conference (MEMAC) to be held alongside the exhibition. 

During the two-day programme, delegates will hear from the most influential regional and international military and diplomatic experts. 

The Conference is being organised by Clarion Events in conjunction with the Bahrain Defence Force, and Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies ‘DERASAT’. 

According to DERASAT’s Chairman, Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, MEMAC will examine the critical role that military alliances can play in the region’s collective defence and security. 

“The approach will highlight the nexus between politics, diplomacy and military action and recognize the complexity of securing agreement between multiple states, each having their own unique political strategies,” he said. 

The opening of MEMAC will take place on October 16 followed by the official Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference dinner gala. In attendance will be senior military delegations, representatives of overseas defence departments and Bahrain-based diplomats. 

Amongst the confirmed presenters is US General Wesley K. Clark (ret.) who will be co-chairing the conference. General Clark, a former commander of NATO forces, brings a wealth of experience and will be leading the discussions on joint operations, emerging defence technologies, alliances and policy formulation.