His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of Bahrain Armed Forces, took pride in the participation of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) in the Joint Gulf Shield-1 military drill which concluded in Saudi Arabia on Monday, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

Upon his arrival to Jubail in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province (photo), he was welcomed by Major General Mohammed Al Aslani,Commander of the Naval Air Force, and the Ambassadors of the two countries.

“Bahrain always stood united with brothers and friends, assuming military and noble humanitarian duties”, King Hamad said, stressing his Kingdom’s resolve to continue altogether to achieve security and peace in the region and the world.

He added that the continuous BDF participation in the Operation Restore Hope, under the Saudi-led Arab Alliance, aims to support justice and peace and provide humanitarian relief aid to the Yemeni brethren. 

This came as he attended the conclusion of the Joint Gulf Shield-1 military drill, at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. King Hamad congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the participating states on the success of the military drill, thanking him on the invitation to attend the final ceremony.

He also extended congratulations to the brave Saudi soldiers and participants from other brotherly and friendly countries, as well as organizers, hailing their high professional competence. He lauded deep-rooted historic relations binding the two countries and peoples, as well as fraternal cooperation with brothers and friends.
The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) took part in the Saudi-led military exercise in the Eastern Province, among twenty-five countries.

The military exercise, considered one of the largest in the world, both in terms of the number of participating countries and the weaponry, aims to raise military readiness, modernize joint mechanisms and enhance coordination and cooperation with joint military and security integration to maintain regional security and confront all challenges and threats. 

Before the start of the ceremony, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques received leaders and senior representatives of the countries taking part in the drill, in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defense Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

Saudi Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Fayyadh bin Hamid Al-Rwaili delivered a speech, paying tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for patronizing the final ceremony. He said that Gulf Shield 1, which represents an extension of previous joint exercises such as the North Thunder Exercise, aims at consolidating security and enhancing the professional competence and combat readiness of the forces taking part in the drill. 

HM the King attended a lunch banquet hosted by the Saudi leader in honor of the Arab leaders attending the conclusion of the Joint Gulf Shield-1 military drill. He then bade farewell to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, wishing Saudi Arabia and its people further progress and prosperity. 

Upon his return to Bahrain, King Hamad sent a cable of appreciation to the Custodian of his Saudi counterpart for the warm welcome and generous hospitality shown during the 29th Arab League Summit and the Joint Gulf Shield 1, which reflect the depth of fraternal ties binding the two prosperous kingdoms and their people. 

He further praised the outcomes of the Arab League, which meet the aspirations of Arab people and reinforce cooperation and joint Arab action to continue development march and overcome challenges faced by Arab nation.