Manama: Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff, inspected the Bahrain Shield joint exercise, conducted by the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) from July 28 to 30, with the participation of the armed forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Chief of Staff affirmed that the participation of the GCC armed forces reflects the strength of the Gulf's joint military capabilities in addressing various challenges. He highlighted the Bahrain Defence Force's commitment to conducting joint exercises to enhance combat readiness, develop operational performance, expand field experience, strengthen operational planning capabilities, and provide an effective platform for exchanging expertise and unifying military concepts among the participating forces, while further reinforcing joint military cooperation and coordination.
He noted that the Bahrain Shield exercise represents a practical embodiment of the established approach to strengthening the foundations of joint military cooperation among the armed forces of the GCC countries, under the close attention of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states. He added that the exercise reaffirms the fraternal bonds that unite the GCC countries in strength and solidarity.
The Chief of Staff said the exercise serves as a strategic pillar for military solidarity, enabling the GCC armed forces to stand together in confronting any hostile aggression and ensuring a decisive deterrent against any party seeking to undermine the security of the GCC states or threaten the safety of their citizens and national interests, in violation of international treaties, conventions and laws.
He added that the hostile attacks witnessed across the region underscore the need to further develop joint defence cooperation founded on longstanding fraternal ties and shared history. He expressed confidence that the exercise represents another solid step towards strengthening collective Gulf action, enhancing operational readiness and rapid response capabilities, and reinforcing the ability to undertake joint defence responsibilities to safeguard the security and stability of the GCC countries and counter any threats to their sovereignty and stability.