Manama: The Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee of the Shura Council, chaired by Dr. Ali bin Mohamed Al Romaihi, highlighted the significance of the Bahrain Shield joint military exercise. This exercise, they noted, reflects the strategic vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in fortifying the Gulf's collective security framework and strengthening defence integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. This is seen as vital for regional security, stability, and the protection of development achievements.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the committee praised His Majesty's speech for reaffirming Bahrain's dedication to supporting joint Gulf initiatives. They emphasized the importance of bolstering defence readiness and enhancing military coordination among GCC armed forces, as these are crucial for maintaining collective security and deterring threats to the Gulf's stability.
The committee also noted the international support for Bahrain, which, coupled with robust security and defence coordination with regional and global partners, underscores Bahrain's international position. This standing is reinforced by its balanced policies and principled stances, which in turn strengthen strategic cooperation in addressing shared challenges and threats.
Furthermore, the committee highlighted the participation of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and units from the Unified Military Command in the exercise. This participation illustrates the advanced level of Gulf military cohesion and defence integration, showcasing unity and enhancing joint defence capabilities and operational readiness to tackle various challenges.
The committee welcomed His Majesty's focus on the ongoing development of military and defence cooperation. They stressed that Gulf security is a shared responsibility, necessitating continued coordination and integration among GCC states to safeguard sovereignty, protect the interests of their people, and reinforce the foundations of regional security, stability, and peace.