His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, deputised the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, to attend the graduation ceremonies of the second National Defence session, and the 12th the Joint Command and Staff session.

Patronised by HM the King, the graduation ceremonies were held at the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College.

Upon arrival, the Commander-in-Chief was welcomed by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, BDF General Command’s Court Director, Major-General Hassan Mohammed Saad, and the Commandant of the Royal Command, Staff and National Defense College, Rear Admiral Abdulla Said Al-Mansoori.

The National Anthem was played, and some Holy Quran verses were recited. Then, the Royal Command, Staff and National Defense College Commandant delivered a speech in which he extended deepest thanks, gratitude and loyalty to HM King Hamad for patronising the graduation ceremonies.

He expressed pride in the scientific strides made by the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College thanks to HM the King’s unwavering support, and vision on the importance of knowledge and science in enhancing the development process, noting that the College has become a beacon of knowledge that paves the way for a promising future for Bahrainis.

He also praised the unwavering interest of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, in supporting the College, quoting him as saying that “education is the basis for development ... and it must only be at its highest level”.

He also paid tribute to the commander-in-chief for his constant follow-up on the implementation of the royal vision, and keenness to provide the latest modern educational methods for national competencies at the College   in order to graduate as commanders and officers who are capable of solving strategic and military issues and giving advice to decision-makers at the tactical, operational and strategic levels.

He highlighted the importance of the sessions in grooming and honing the intellectual and military skills of the graduates, congratulating them on their graduation. He also urged them to continue their quest for knowledge to keep abreast of the latest developments in the military field.

He pledged unwavering loyalty to HM the King, the Supreme Commander, and dedication in serving him and the nation, praying to Allah the Almighty to bless the kingdom with ever-lasting security and stability.

Then, the commander-in-chief presented certificates to the graduates of the second National Defence session, in which the affiliates of the Interior Ministry, National Guard and Information Affairs Ministry participated.

He also honoured the participants in the 12th the Joint Command and Staff session, including officers from the armed forces of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Yemen.

Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa conveyed HM the King’s greetings and congratulations to the graduates of the second National Defence session, and the 12th the Joint Command and Staff session.

The commander-in-chief expressed pride in the success of the two sessions, noting that the successes of the advanced scientific and military monument, the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College, are the fruitful outcome of forward-looking visions of HM the King, the Supreme Commander.

He extended thanks to the officials and teaching staff of the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College for their successful efforts throughout the two sessions, stressing that the College boasts all requirements for advanced military learning and rehabilitation.

He congratulated the graduates on their achievements, wishing them every success in serving their countries.

Tackling the circumstances witnessed by Bahrain and the world as a result of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the commander-in-chief pointed out that based on the sound directives of HM the King, the Supreme Commander, the kingdom has taken pioneering pre-emptive and precautionary measures to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.

He also affirmed that the tremendous efforts exerted by Team Bahrain, led by HRH Crown Prince, have played a major role in curbing the spread of the virus.

The commander-in-chief reiterated the BDF’s unwavering keenness to undertake its patriotic role, within the National Campaign to Combat Coronavirus, through harnessing all its potentials, facilities and specialised competencies to combat the pandemic at the frontlines in order to protect the health and safety of the citizens and residents.

Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Education Minister, Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, senior BDF officers and military attachés of the participating countries also attended the graduation ceremonies.

SOURCE: BNA