HM King receives senior BDF officers

Manama, Feb. 6 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, received, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, at the Al-Sakhir Palace today, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, alongside Defence Affairs Minister, Lieutenant-General Abdulla bin Hassan Al-Nuaimi, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi and a number of senior BDF officers, marking the BDF’s 52nd Anniversary. They extended deepest congratulations to HM the King on the BDF Day, lauding the constant royal support for the BDF, and praying to Allah the Almighty to protect HM King Hamad so as to continue the glorious march witnessed by the kingdom during his prosperous era. HM King Hamad expressed congratulations and appreciation to all BDF’s officers, non-commissioned officers and servicemen, as well as the citizens on the glorious national occasion. HM the King valued highly the efforts being exerted by the BDF affiliates to protect the kingdom’s achievements, safeguard the citizens’ security and defend national unity with competence, patriotism and authentic determination, stressing that they are the nation’s fortified shield and its source of pride. HM King Hamad affirmed that the BDF Day is a milestone in the kingdom’s history, and that it is advancing year after year thanks to the efforts of its brave personnel. The Supreme Commander stressed that the BDF not only carries out its patriotic duties of the defending the nation valiantly, but also contributes effectively to supporting the kingdom’s comprehensive development march in many fields, citing the distinguished health and housing services it delivers to the citizens. HM the King also highlighted the BDF’s distinguished achievements at the international level, citing the national military football team’s success in winning the seventh edition of the World CISM Military Games in the city of Wuhan, China. The Supreme Commander also praised the BDF’s positive contributions to international military shows, as well as distinguished participation in major national occasions, stressing that the BDF affiliates have always proved their competence and worth in various fields. HM King Hamad expressed thanks and appreciation to the BDF Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, for his unwavering efforts and sound leadership that have contributed to advancing the BDF, as well as to the braver BDF personnel for their keenness to carry out their duties with courage and dedication, paying tribute to all servicemen who have served the nation since the BDF’s establishment. HM King Hamad extended congratulations to all brave BDF servicemen who are carrying out their noble duties abroad in defence of justice and peace, in addition to delivering assistance and relief aid to brotherly countries, wishing everyone further success. HM the King, the Supreme Commander, was presented with a commemorative gift from HRH the Crown Prince, marking the 52nd BDF Day. HM King Hamad and HRH the Crown Prince were presented with commemorative gifts from the BDF Commander-in-Chief marking the same occasion.