Manama: The Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee of the Council of Representatives, chaired by MP Hasan Eid Bukhammas, expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for his speech during the Bahrain Shield joint military exercise, highlighting that it reflected His Majesty the King's vision and addressed key strategic issues at a sensitive time for the region.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the committee said His Majesty's attendance at the exercise, and the high level of coordination and professionalism on display, highlighted the strength of joint defence cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council states. It added that the participation of the United Arab Emirates, represented by the King Hamad Brigade and the Mohammed bin Zayed Squadron, alongside forces from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait and the Unified Military Command, demonstrated that Gulf security is indivisible and that a shared destiny remains the strongest guarantee of regional stability and the protection of the region's development and achievements.
The committee noted that His Majesty the King's speech commended the GCC's achievements over more than four decades as a leading model of regional cooperation and integration. It added that the Bahrain Shield exercise builds on the council's efforts to strengthen collective security and joint deterrence, reinforcing Gulf security through strategic partnerships with fellow GCC states and allies.
The committee said His Majesty's speech reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's steadfast position on Iran's continued escalatory behaviour and its disregard for regional and international calls to end hostilities. It described this approach as unacceptable and contrary to the principles of good neighbourly relations and international law. The committee also noted that such conduct ignored the bonds of Islam that should unite Muslim nations and the message of the Prophet Muhammad, which it said had given the Persian nation spiritual and civilisational depth after earlier periods of ignorance.
The committee added that His Majesty the King's speech renewed a call for wisdom and moderation, urging greater emphasis on Islamic brotherhood, respect for sovereignty and the values of peaceful coexistence. It said this reflected Bahrain's balanced foreign policy, combining firmness in defending national sovereignty with a genuine commitment to peace.
The committee affirmed its full support for His Majesty's directives and its continued backing for the Kingdom's armed forces and Ministry of Interior personnel tasked with safeguarding national security. It also expressed its appreciation for Bahrain's close relations with GCC states and reiterated its commitment to carrying out its legislative and oversight responsibilities in support of efforts to enhance the Kingdom's defence and security capabilities and strengthen Gulf cooperation.