Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, received Monday (photo) the newly appointed Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command of the fifth fleet, Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo.
Defense Affairs Minister Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Nuaimi, and Lt. General Dheyab bin Saqer Al-Nuaimi, Chief of Staff, were present, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
The Commander-in-Chief praised the historical relations between the two countries, and the development witnessed by that relationship at all levels, especially the military field, wishing him continued success in his new duties.
Earlier, the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, received on 24 August at Al-Safriya Palace, the new Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo.
HM the King welcomed Vice Admiral Paparo and congratulated him on assuming his duties, wishing him success to achieve all that serves security and peace in the region.
He praised strategic relations binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, as well deep-rooted ties as allies and partners. He further hailed the steadily-growing joint cooperation, especially in the military and defense fields, adding that the decades-old ties are based on mutual trust, respect and keenness on achieving the goals and interests of the two friendly countries and peoples. Issues of common interest and regional developments were also discussed.
Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo praised HM the King’s keenness on strengthening historic relations of friendship and consolidating military and defense cooperation.
On August 16th, King Hamad received at Safriya Palace outgoing US Naval Forces Central Command and Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Admiral James Malloy.
HM the King commended the efforts of Vice Admiral James Malloy in boosting bilateral cooperation mainly in the military and defense field. He also discussed regional and international developments, stressing the pivotal role of the US administration, in cooperation with allied and friendly countries, in promoting regional security and stability and global peace.
In recognition of the major role of Vice Admiral James Malloy in bolstering relations of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the USA, HM the King bestowed on him Bahrain Order-First Class.
The outgoing US Naval Forces Central Command and Fifth Fleet Commander expressed thanks and respect to HM the King for conferring the order on him, commending HM the King’s efforts in boosting strategic relations between the two friendly countries. He also praised the vital role of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a key partner in backing the effort aimed at fostering regional peace and stability.
For his part, the Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defense Force (BDF), Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, also received Vice Admiral James Malloy prior to his departure.
Bahrain’s Defense Affairs Minister Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, and Lt. General Dheyab bin Saqer Al Nuaimi, Chief-of-Staff, were present.
The Commander-in-Chief thanked Malloy’s good efforts during his tenure, praising the existing relations between Bahrain and the United States, and their development in various fields, especially at the military level.
