The second edition of the Bahrain International Defence Exhibition & Conference (BIDEC) concluded in Manama Wednesday.
Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, this year’s BIDEC attracted over 200 companies showcasing the latest defence technology and innovation over three days (28-30 October 2019).
The Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa toured the show (photo), accompanied by Defence Minister Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant General Dhiab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, and BDF Senior Officers.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief praised the royal patronage of the event which showcased ground, air and naval weaponry. He watched the cutting edge military exhibits on display and met representatives of the international companies taking part in the fair. He also listened to a detailed account on the latest military products in all defence categories.
He affirmed that Bahrain’s hosting of the second edition of BIDEC proves the Kingdom’s keenness to promote its regional and international partnerships in the defence and military fields so as to boost regional and global security and stability.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief underlined the importance of BIDEC as an international platform to showcase the latest military technologies and exchange experiences and visions regarding the latest regional and international security developments. He added that the kingdom’s continuous hosting of BIDEC is congruent with its unwavering commitment towards regional security and deep recognition of the importance of strong coalitions to achieve peace and sustainable growth.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief affirmed BDF continuous development of its weaponry to remain the bulwark of the nation and a pillar for regional stability, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
During BIDEC, the BDF Commander-in-Chief received Deputy National Armament Director at the Italian military forces, Vice Admiral Dario Giacomin. The meeting was attended by Military Cooperation Director Rear Admiral Mohammed Hashim Sadah and Military Training Director Major General Salah Rashid Sa’ad.
The BDF Commander also received Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, the US Naval Forces Central Command and Fifth Fleet Commander. The meeting was held on the sidelines BIDEC 2019, in the presence of Defence Minister Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi and Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant General Dhiab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief welcomed Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, lauding strong relations of friendship between Bahrain and the USA and their perpetual growth at all levels. The meeting was attended by General Command Court Director Major General Hassan Mohammed Sa’ad, Assistant Chief of Staff for Catering and Supply Rear Admiral Yusef Ahmed Malallah, Military Cooperation Director Rear Admiral Mohammed Hashim Sadah and Senior Officers.
Furthermore, the BDF Commander-in-Chief received the Military Commander of the Islamic Counter Terrorism Coalition Forces General Raheel Sharif. Defence Minister Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi attended the meeting.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief discussed with General Raheel Sharif issues of common interest, wishing him a good stay in Bahrain. The meeting was attended by General Command Court Director Major General Hassan Mohammed Sa’ad, Assistant Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Yusef Ahmed Malallah, the Royal Bahrain Air Force Commander Air Vice-Marshal Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Maintenance and Technical Supply Director Rear Admiral Anwar Abdullah Al Jowder and Senior Officers.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief equally received the Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Centre Air Vice-Marshal Mohammed bin Said Al-Meghidi.
