“Neon Defender 21” joint drill, which was conducted by Bahrain Defence Force, the Interior Ministry and the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), concluded Friday.
The military exercise, which continued for many days, comprised many joint training operations which took into consideration variety and coping with developments. Modern technologies were also used in the exercise which included live ammunition shooting, military field applications, naval operations, various maneuvers as well as search and rescue operations.
The joint drill aimed at boosting combat readiness, activating joint training programs, unifying combat concepts, exchanging expertise and training on joint operational planning, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
Meanwhile, Bahrain Defence Force Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa (photo) chaired the Bahraini-US meeting to review bilateral cooperation and coordination.
The meeting was attended by Lt. General His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the National Guard, Lt. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, Lt. General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defense Affairs, Lt. General Thiyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff, and Vice Admiral General Samuel Paparo, Commander of the Navy Forces Central Command /US 5th Fleet.
The meeting discussed means to develop coordination and cooperation to strengthen relations between the two countries in various areas.
The Commander-in-Chief praised the distinguished, deep-rooted and strategic relations between Bahrain and the US, especially in the military and defense fields.
He stressed that Bahraini-American relations have been based on long decades of robust cooperation and shared keenness to achieve all common goals and interests.
The meeting was also attended by Commander of the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) Air Vice-Marshal Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa., Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations Major General Ghanim bin Ibrahim Al Fadhala, senior BDF officers and the US delegation.
