Bahrain’s Royal Guard Commander and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Bahrain International Defense Exhibition and Conference 2017 (BIDEC), Brigadier General HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (photo), chaired the periodic meeting of the event which will be held in the Kingdom from October 16 to 18, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander.

Sheikh Nasser commended the great efforts and facilities provided by all competent authorities, officials and organizers, led by the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF), the National Guard and the Ministry of Interior to ensure the success of the event, according to Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

He said the event is considered one of the most significant military exhibitions in the Middle East, affirming that holding such international events in the Kingdom conveys a clear message to the world that Bahrain will continue to be an oasis of safety and security.

He reviewed the ongoing preparations to host the event in addition to what has been completed in this regard, as well as the joint military and diplomatic efforts to reinforce cooperation between Bahrain and the international community to support the BDF goals in attracting investments and boost the tourism field.

He highlighted the role of media in covering the event and shedding light on the Kingdom's high status.

Sheikh Nasser valued the Kingdom's Middle East Military Alliances and Coalitions Conference (MEMAC2017) which will be held during the same period, alongside BIDEC 2017.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies, BIDEC Official Spokesperson and Chairman of MEMAC Organizing Committee Dr. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed pride in the directives of Sheikh Nasser as well as his keenness to provide all necessary facilities to ensure the success of the international strategic defense gathering.

He said the speakers and attendees of the event were carefully chosen in order to establish an international platform to exchange ideas and views on security and military developments in addition to the strategic visions of the participating alliances.