London: To mark 70 years of the Kingdom of Bahrain's relationship with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), the academy honoured His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa in recognition of his achievement as the first Bahraini to graduate from the academy, after joining it in 1957.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa stated that the honour reflects the depth of the longstanding ties between Bahrain and the RMAS. These ties have continued to develop over the decades with the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who is committed to preparing and qualifying national talent to the highest military and leadership standards.
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa expressed pride in the honour, viewing it as a recognition of the close ties between the Kingdom and the academy, and an appreciation of Bahrain's presence there for more than seven decades. He also congratulated the Kingdom's graduates in this cohort, including his grandson, wishing them success in serving their country.
Major General Nick Cowley, Commandant of the RMAS, honoured HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa by presenting him with the academy's sword and medal. Major General Cowley highlighted the longstanding ties between the academy and Bahrain, which began in 1936 during the official visit to the United Kingdom by the late Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, then Ruler of Bahrain and its Dependencies. This visit eventually led to HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa joining the academy and becoming the first Bahraini graduate.
Major General Cowley noted that this year marks 90 years since the historic relationship between the academy and Bahrain began. He pointed out that the Kingdom has been the academy's largest source of officer cadets over the past seven decades, reflecting the leadership's commitment to preparing and qualifying national military talent to the highest leadership standards, thereby strengthening Bahrain's defence capabilities.