HM King visits Royal Bahrain Naval Force, U.S. Naval Support Activity Headquarters in Bahrain

Manama, Aug. 19 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander, today visited the Royal Bahrain Naval Force. Upon arrival, His Majesty was received by His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister for Defence Affairs, His Excellency General Dhiyab Bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief-of-Staff, as well as the Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force and a number of senior officers. Also present were His Excellency Ambassador Justin Hicks Siberell, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Vice Admiral James Malloy, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and Commodore Dean Basset, United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander and Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces. At the start of the visit, the Royal Anthem was played to welcome His Majesty’s arrival. His Majesty the King commended the efforts of the brave personnel of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force in carrying out their noble duty, alongside their courageous brothers from the Bahrain Defence Force, to defend their country and its civilizational gains. His Majesty praised their important participation in guaranteeing the freedom of international maritime navigation and combatting piracy in the region, expressing appreciation for the fruitful efforts of the Commander and personnel of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force. His Majesty also met a number of officers from the Bahrain Defence Force, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the U.S. Naval Support Activity, and the UK Maritime Component Command. On this occasion, His Majesty delivered the following speech: “It is a pleasure at the outset to welcome our guests, His Excellency the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Commander of U.S. NAVCENT, U.S. Fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces; and we welcome the Royal Navy UKMCC Commander, Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces. “We also welcome our brothers from the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, for they are today at home in Bahrain, and we appreciate the continuous friendship and support of their leaders and peoples under all circumstances and at all times. “We are pleased to express to you, on this special occasion, our appreciation for our ongoing cooperation, which builds on decades of joint action, based on deep-rooted relations and disciplined coordination, in military, security, political, economic, and other fields. This demonstrates the sincere combined effort we have made together to achieve significant results, an effort which unites us today to continue to pursue further prosperity for all our countries. “We are witnessing continued success in the coordination and cooperation initiatives between us, which reaffirms our sound security and defence directions, and is a source of satisfaction and pride in the vital and constructive role of our forces working together to enhance our security and defend our interests. “We also find in these efforts an honourable example of responsibility and professionalism in carrying out all tasks with determination and dedication. The most important of these is the duty to preserve the safety of maritime navigation and secure international corridors for trade and energy, the protection of which is a responsibility we all bear out of our duty to the stability of the region and the world as a whole. “In such critical times, your commitment to the security of the region, and your keenness to work collectively with its countries, are foundation stones for our strong relations. From this foundation, we work to intensify all aspects of cooperation and coordination, through continuous consultations on developing action strategies in light of the challenges and threats facing the region and its security, so as to ensure that all parties are obliged to respect the laws and norms governing relations of good neighborliness, mutual respect for sovereignty and independence of states, and non-interference in internal affairs. “In conclusion, we reiterate our appreciation and pride in you all, wishing you continued success in undertaking your noble task of defending security and peace. Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.” His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa then visited the Naval Support Activity headquarters in Bahrain, where he was received by Vice Admiral James Malloy, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and His Excellency Ambassador Siberell, Ambassador. Upon arrival, the naval military salute was performed for His Majesty the King and the Royal Anthem was played to welcome his arrival. His Majesty greeted a number of U.S. Fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces personnel and was then briefed on the role of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the region and the military cooperation between the two countries. His Majesty the King expressed appreciation to the Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. Ambassador for this kind invitation, affirming that the strong relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States is critical to regional maritime security and the free flow of commerce. "Global security and stability depends on the free flow of commerce and ultimately its security depends on what happens in this critical region," His Majesty said. "This region in turn depends on the vital strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America.” His Majesty also said that the expanding ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States was constructive for the region and a model for regional alliances. "There is no doubt that our continued cooperation, even through decades of geopolitical change, is deeply appreciated. Together, we have worked to achieve our common goals and our two nations are better because of this enduring partnership," His Majesty said. Vice Admiral James Malloy expressed pride in the visit of His Majesty the King. “It was an honor to host your Majesty and continue in the spirit of friendship and partnership that was forged by over 70 years of trust and common interest between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States," Vice Admiral Malloy said. “Your steadfast leadership and graciousness have been critical to regional security and given the Fifth Fleet a home in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Together we stand ready to work cooperatively to ensure regional stability and safety and to deter our adversaries.”