His Majesty King Hamad of Bahrain, the Supreme Commander, deputized Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), to attend the graduation ceremonies of the 2nd National Defence session, and the 12th Joint Command and Staff session.

Patronized by HM the King, the graduation ceremonies were held at the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College.

Upon arrival, the Commander-in-Chief was welcomed by the Chief-of-Staff, Lieutenant-General Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, BDF General Command’s Court Director, Major General Hassan Mohammed Saad, and the Commandant of the Royal Command, Staff and National Defense College, Rear Admiral Abdulla Said Al-Mansoori, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The National Anthem was played, and some Holy Quran verses were recited. Then, the Royal Command, Staff and National Defense College Commandant delivered a speech in which he extended deepest thanks, gratitude and loyalty to HM King Hamad for patronizing the graduation ceremonies.

He expressed pride in the scientific strides made by the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College thanks to HM the King’s unwavering support, and vision on the importance of knowledge and science in enhancing the development process, noting that the College has become a beacon of knowledge that paves the way for a promising future for Bahrainis.

He also praised the unwavering interest of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, in supporting the College, quoting him as saying that “education is the basis for development ... and it must only be at its highest level”.

He also paid tribute to the Commander-in-Chief for his constant follow-up on the implementation of the royal vision, and keenness to provide the latest modern educational methods for national competencies at the College   in order to graduate as commanders and officers who are capable of solving strategic and military issues and giving advice to decision-makers at the tactical, operational and strategic levels.

He highlighted the importance of the sessions in grooming and honing the intellectual and military skills of the graduates, congratulating them on their graduation. He also urged them to continue their quest for knowledge to keep abreast of the latest developments in the military field.

He further pledged unwavering loyalty to HM the King, the Supreme Commander, and dedication in serving him and the nation, praying to Allah the Almighty to bless the Kingdom with ever-lasting security and stability.

Then, the Commander-in-Chief presented certificates to the graduates of the second National Defence session, in which the affiliates of the Interior Ministry, National Guard and Information Affairs Ministry participated.

He also honored the participants in the 12th Joint Command and Staff session, including officers from the armed forces of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Yemen.

Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa conveyed HM the King’s greetings and congratulations to the graduates. He noted that the successes of the advanced scientific and military monument, the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College, are the fruitful outcome of forward-looking visions of HM the King, the Supreme Commander.

He extended thanks to the officials and teaching staff of the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College for their efforts throughout the two sessions, stressing that the College boasts all requirements for advanced military learning and rehabilitation. He also congratulated the graduates on their achievements, wishing them every success in serving their countries.

Interior Minister, General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Education Minister, Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, Senior BDF Officers and Military Attachés of the participating countries also attended the graduation ceremonies.