Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa (photo, left) and the accompanying delegation paid a visit to the Parliament, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
There, they met Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla, Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh, members of Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Committee and Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee and a number of members from both councils.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief’s associating delegation comprised Defense Affairs Minister Lt-General Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma and Chief of Staff Lt-General Dhiab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi.
Ways to boost cooperation between the BDF and Representatives and Shura Councils were discussed.
The Commander-in-Chief praised the two Councils’ efforts in the interest of the homeland, citizens and residents.
He pointed out the significance of cooperation with the Parliament, stressing that the democratic practices in the parliament accentuates Bahrain keenness on pushing forward with the democratic march and constitutional approach during the prosperous era of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
He commended the discussion efforts of the parliamentary Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee’s members on amending item B of Article 105 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which stipulates that the power of military courts is confined to military crimes involving staff of the BDF, National Guard and Public Security, and that its power shall not extend to others, but only when the martial law is declared.
He further highlighted the leadership’s interest in developing the BDF since its establishment in 1968, equipping it with the latest weapons and engaging its personnel in training sessions to reach the highest levels of combat readiness to assist them in carrying out national duties.
He said the BDF’s missions are not limited to defending Bahrain’s borders, but also extend to contribute to national development, pointing out the BDF’s participation alongside Gulf, Arab and international forces in the liberation of Kuwait war, international military alliance operations against terrorist organizations and maintaining peace, as well as within the Saudi-led Arab Alliance to restore legitimacy in Yemen.
He underscored the supportive efforts of HM the King, HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to BDF’s policy in intensifying training, diversifying sources of weaponry to constantly develop the national armed forces and upgrade the military combat readiness of its personnel to defend the homeland, maintain its security, stability and contribute to the progress and prosperity in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
He wished the two Councils success in reinforcing cooperation to maintain the homeland’s security and stability needed for thrusting the sustainable development march and bringing more national achievements.
The meeting was also attended by General Command Office Director Major General Hassan Mohammed Saad, Inspector General Major General Abdullah Hassan Al-Nuaimi, Chief-of-Staff Assistant for Logistics and Supplies, Rear Admiral Yusuf Ahmed Mal-Allah and President of the Military Judiciary and Military Cassation Court, Brigadier Dr. Yusef Rashid Flaifel.
