Upon arrival, HM the King was welcomed by the Minister of State for Defence Affairs General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and the Chief of Staff Major-general Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa.
He said that although Bahrain joined the UN as a full sovereign member 42 years ago, but it was really established as an independent Muslim Arab country when Ahmed Al Fateh entered the islands of Bahrain in 1783, and since then, HM affirmed, it has taken its own sovereign decisions, interacted with the world and signed treaties with influential countries, without any other third party, but on a peer-to-peer basis.
“We have preserved our independence since 1783 up to now thanks to the efforts of loyal Bahrainis, who are your fathers and grandfathers, and we will carry that march with you,” HM the King also said, addressing senior BDF officers.
HM King Hamad met with a number of senior BDF officers, and expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to all BDF affiliates.
HM the King said that the national occasions are days of joy and happiness for the people of Bahrain, calling upon all to join ranks so that the nation becomes stronger and more fortified, wishing the kingdom and its citizens many happy returns and further progress and prosperity.
“Bahrain boasts of a long history, and has never changed. It has preserved its religion, Arab identity and national unity,” HM the King affirmed.
HM the King welcomed GCC Defence Ministers, who will hold their 12th meeting in the Kingdom, and wished them every success in meeting the aspirations of brotherly GCC peoples.