Bahrain's King: GCC has set a pioneering model for joint action and collective security
- “Bahrain Shield” exercise extends defensive integration and joint deterrence programs to confront challenges
- Praise for the participation of Gulf forces, with emphasis on their cohesion as a reflection of shared objectives and destiny
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain stressed the importance of developing joint military operational capabilities, enhancing the readiness of participating forces, and strengthening defense cooperation among the armed forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, in a manner that contributes to supporting security and stability in the region.
This came during the King’s attendance, on Thursday, at the joint “Bahrain Shield” exercise, in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Vice President and Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the participation of the Mohammed bin Zayed Squadron, and elements of the armed forces of the GCC states, the Peninsula Shield Force, and forces from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the aim of enhancing joint operations and exchanging expertise.
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The King of Bahrain said: “We begin by welcoming our dear guests, Your Highnesses and Excellencies, to our country, the Kingdom of Bahrain, which takes pride in their brotherhood and unlimited support in every situation and circumstance, stemming from the deep solidarity and cohesion uniting the Arab Gulf states, the mutual reservoir of affection and respect, and the continuous and firm desire to achieve good for all.”
He added: “The reality is that the Gulf Cooperation Council has proven, throughout its history, its success in providing a pioneering model of joint action among its member states. In line with this trajectory, the ‘Bahrain Shield’ exercise comes as a practical extension of the Council’s efforts to enhance collective security and complete the system of defensive integration within joint deterrence programs.”
He continued: “When speaking of threats, we regret the continuation of Iranian behavior toward our countries, given its unjustified escalation and expansion of conflict circles. We thank God that, under these circumstances, we are surrounded by international support and advanced security and defense coordination with brothers, friends, and allies in the face of this aggression, which contributes to elevating the horizons of strategic cooperation and strengthening our resilience and capacity to protect the developmental and civilizational prosperity enjoyed by our Gulf states.”
He said: “What is even more regrettable is Iran’s disregard for the religious bond that is supposed to unite us, and its forgetting of the favor of the Prophet Muhammad’s message upon the Persian nation, which endowed its civilization with spiritual, human, and intellectual depth after centuries of misguidance. We hope that matters will return to their proper course by prioritizing Islamic brotherhood, which can only be sustained by adhering to the values of the gracious Sharia, based on coexistence and respect for good-neighborly treaties.”
He added: “Finally, we wish to express our great joy and pride in the participation of the ‘King Hamad Brigade’ from the armed forces of our brotherly United Arab Emirates in the ‘Bahrain Shield’ exercise. As we have always known them, they are pioneers and initiators in supporting their brothers, and they have our sincere gratitude.”
He continued: “We also extend great appreciation for what participants from our beloved and sisterly countries—the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait—delivered during the joint exercise through their outstanding performance and highly precise and professional organization. The results once again confirmed that our blood is one on all fronts, and that the cohesion of field units is an honorable reflection of defending shared objectives and destiny in the Gulf of Eminence and Honor.”
The King of Bahrain was at the forefront of those welcoming Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum upon his arrival in the Kingdom of Bahrain to attend the exercise, in the presence of National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Commander of Special Operations of the Royal Guard, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
