HM King receives military, security leaders

Manama, June 22 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today received at Sakhir Palace Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, National Guard Chief Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa and senior officers from the BDF, National Guard, Interior Ministry and National Security Agency. They all congratulated HM the King on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.HM the King exchanged with them greetings, hailing the dedicated efforts of all the affiliates of the BDF, National Guard, Interior Ministry and National Security Agency to defend the homeland, protect hard-won achievements and preserve national unity and citizens’ dignity. HM the King paid tribute to the BDF servicemen for taking part, alongside their GCC counterparts in Operation Restoring Hope, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hailing their skills and bravery in assuming this noble responsibility. "It is a great honour for the BDF servicemen to participate with the Saudi armed forces in defending the Saudi borders", he said, hailing deep-rooted historic relations bonding the two brotherly countries. HM the King wished Saudi Arabia further progress, prosperity and glory, led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. He underscored the crucial importance of consolidating military and security cooperation and complementary work with other brotherly GCC member states and standing united in confronting the challenges which are threatening the region. He took pride in the people of Bahrain for joining ranks and standing united in rejecting extremism and all forms of terrorism, hailing their consciousness, culture and long-standing heritage. HM the King extended greetings to all the affiliates of the BDF, National Guard, Interior Ministry and National Security Agency, wishing themr success in assuming their duties and defending the nation.