HM King, UAE President attend "Jalmud 3" joint exercise

Manama, Nov. 10 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, and the UAE President His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended today the concluding stage of the joint Bahraini-UAE anti-terror exercise "Jalmud 3". The Royal Guard of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and a number of weaponries and units from BDF, the Interior Ministry and the National Intelligence Agency participated in the military drill, which was held over many days, alongside members from the UAE Armed Forces. HM the King welcomed the UAE President, thanking him for attending the exercise. HM the King and the UAE President were received on arrival at the site by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander Major General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (Director of the exercise), Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force Colonel Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and senior invitees. At the outset of the drill, a memorandum of Understanding on military cooperation between the two brotherly countries to counter terrorism was signed by Major General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the UAE Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Isa Saif bin Ablan Al-Mazroui. HM the King and the UAE President praised the memo which aims to bolster military cooperation between the two brotherly countries. The National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander, Major General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Director of the exercise, gave a welcome speech in which he hailed the attendance of HM the King and the UAE President. He praised the heroic epics of the Bahraini, Emirati and Saudi soldiers in fighting the terrorist groups and defending the religion, the land and the Arabian identity of the region. He also lauded the ongoing efforts of the Arab Coalition Forces to deter terrorism with all firmness and strength. "This exercise is in the interest of security, stability and peace in the region, and it strengthens plans to confront the dangers facing our Arab countries," HH said. Major General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa recited a poem on the occasion. HM the King thanked Major General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his distinguished management of the exercise and for his efforts to boost the combat competence of the Royal Guard personnel. He paid tribute to the BDF personnel, commending the efforts of all participating parties to ensure success of the military drill. HM welcomed the participants from the UAE Armed Forces, commending solid historic relations and cooperation between the two brotherly countries. He also praised firmness in countering terrorism, pointing out that the challenges facing the region require rallying ranks and constant alertness. The UAE President expressed happiness over attending the exercise which showcased the skill and competence of the participants. He wished Bahrain and the UAE constant security and further growth and prosperity. The participants took commemorative photos with HM the King and the UAE President.