Major General Mattar Salim Al Balushi, Commander of the Royal Army of Oman (RAO), and the military delegation accompanying him visited Thursday the headquarters of the Desert Regiment at the 23rd Infantry Brigade of the Royal Army of Oman.

The regiment took part in the GCC military exercise codenamed “Takamul-1” held in the State of Kuwait. Upon his arrival, Major General Mattar Al Balushi was received by the Commandant of the Desert Regiment, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

During the visit, the RAO Commander and the military delegation accompanying him were briefed about the Desert Regiment’s role during the stages of the GCC exercise. He also met the members of the regiment.

The joint Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) drill, “Takamul-1” (Integration), took place in the Al-Udair and Al-Abraq region in the northwest of Kuwait. The exercise commenced on 26 November and concluded on 07 December.

Forces from GCC members states and the Joint Peninsula Shield Force took part in the joint exercise, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

The drill is held in line with the directives of GCC leaders to continue activating the frameworks of military cooperation among GCC Armed Forces. It is also based on the resolutions of the GCC Joint Defence Council to strengthen joint action among the armed forces of GCC countries so as to be able to face various challenges and threats, as well as safeguard the stability, security and achievements of GCC states.

The joint exercise aims to achieve more integration, promote the spirit of unified military action, enhance the participating forces’ readiness, raise combat efficiency levels, increase harmony during joint operations, and pave the way for the exchange of experiences through a number of combat field operations  and various tactical maneuvers.

The ultimate goal of the drill is to ensure that those forces are always ready to defend the GCC countries.