King opens Wadi Ali Camp, hails BDF milestone

Manama, Feb. 5(BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, opened the Royal Guard Wadi Ali Camp, marking the 49th anniversary of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister attended the opening ceremony. HM the King was received on arrival at Wadi Ali Camp by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Defence Affairs Minister Lieutenant-General Youssef bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma, BDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, Royal Guard Commander Brigadier His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and Royal Guard Special Force Commandant Major HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. Following the national anthem and the guard of honour inspection, HM the King handed over the banners to Special Battalion 83 and the Royal Guard Battalion 12, thus joining the BDF units to assume their national duties. HM the King, the Supreme Commander, congratulated all brave officers, non-commissioned officers, servicemen and loyal citizens on the 49th anniversary of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). The national anniversary, HM the King said, represents a memorable milestone and a source of pride for all the people of Bahrain, hailing the BDF landmark achievements in the national annals. He commended the dedicated efforts of the BDF affiliates since it was first established, hailing ambitious plans that meet the present requirements and future aspirations towards more development and progress. "The BDF is the impregnable fortress and its servicemen are the emblem of true patriotism and the source of our pride", he said, hailing their bravery, combat readiness and unwavering allegiance. HM the King paid tribute to brave BDF soldiers who assume their duties in the Saudi- led Arab Alliance (Restore Hope Operation), help our brethren in Yemen and supply them with humanitarian relief aid. The BDF, he said, is a force of stability that contributes to maintaining regional security and peace, conducting, along with brothers and friends, honorable military and humanitarian duties, resolved to brave all challenges, hailing their sacrifices for the sake of the homeland, nation and the future of the coming generations. HM the King stressed the importance of military cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) member states as well as brotherly and friendly countries, out of common destiny to stave off designs and dangers preying on the region and combat the scourge of terrorism. He commended the leadership role assumed by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, hailing his dedicated efforts to develop its military capabilities and proficiency. He also hailed the efforts of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, wishing all Royal Guard servicemen, officers and non-commissioned officers every success. Royal Guard Commander Brigadier HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in his speech, gave an overview of the BDF landmark achievements that have become a national source of pride. Addressing the opening ceremony, he said that the BDF milestone embodies the principles and values held by Bahraini ancestors who carried the Al-khalifia flag in defending the motherland. He expressed sincere congratulations to HM the King on the 49th Anniversary of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and took pride in the opening of Wadi Ali Camp. Bahrain TV Channel will air a special programme on the Wadi Ali Camp opening ceremony, tomorrow after the 8 PM news bulletin. MJ / AHN A H N BNA 1913 GMT 2017/02/05