Manama: Under the patronage of Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), the opening ceremony of the 19th Joint Command and Staff Course was held at the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College. The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Thiyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, BDF Chief of Staff.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the ceremony began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech delivered by Rear Admiral Abdullah Saeed Al Mansouri, Commandant of the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College. The Chief of Staff expressed his pleasure at attending the ceremony, which continues to advance and develop under the continuous patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the ongoing directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, as well as the close follow-up of the BDF Commander-in-Chief.
He conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Commander-in-Chief and his best wishes for the participants' success. He also welcomed officers from the armed forces of neighbouring countries, noting that their participation reflects the deep relations and close cooperation that consistently bring the countries together.
The Chief of Staff highlighted the quality of the course's training programme, which will equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to assume leadership, operational, and administrative responsibilities efficiently and competently. The programme will also provide them with broad opportunities for learning, research, and development, enabling them to obtain a Master's degree in Military Sciences, an advanced academic qualification in the military field. Graduates will, in turn, contribute to advancing military knowledge and developing their respective specialisations within the armed forces.
He noted that the continued delivery of such advanced military courses demonstrates their effectiveness and high standards, particularly in light of current circumstances and the challenges and what he described as heinous Iranian attacks facing the region. He added that the armed forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries had shown their ability to repel the enemy and confront these threats with efficiency and competence, reaffirming their constant readiness to safeguard their countries' security and stability. He also commended their high level of professionalism, underpinned by a robust combat doctrine and strong combat capabilities.
At the conclusion of his address, the Chief of Staff urged participants to continue expanding their knowledge, study advanced military thought, and pursue serious research. He stressed that current circumstances require keeping pace with the latest developments to enhance leadership and operational capabilities and address the challenges and risks facing their countries. He also expressed his appreciation to the Commandant of the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College, as well as the course instructors, lecturers, and participants, commending their dedicated efforts, distinguished performance, and productive work in preparing a new generation of future leaders.