Bahrain’s Minister of Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, attended Thursday the conclusion of the joint maritime exercise of the Coast Guard “Vigilant Guardian 13”.
The exercise was also attended by Lieutenant General Tariq Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security and Acting Commander of the Coast Guard.
The drill included participation from the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, the National Guard, and various directorates of the Ministry of Interior. Its purpose was to assess preparedness to enhance the security of vital waterfront facilities and address trafficking, thereby promoting maritime safety and security.
The Minister was briefed on the organisation, control committee, and implementation process based on the exercise scenarios. He commended the effective field coordination in executing joint security plans and operations to confront maritime challenges, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
He expressed his appreciation to the organisers of this exercise and their consistent dedication in previous drills. He emphasised the importance of focusing in future exercises on the civil services provided by the Coast Guard to seafarers, ensuring their safety through realistic scenarios and specific goals.
The Minister noted that such exercises contribute to improving performance, exchanging expertise, and efficiently addressing challenges related to protecting regional waters while advancing strategic capabilities. He highlighted the importance of continuing training, enhancing capabilities, reviewing procedures, developing cooperation, coordination and joint fieldwork.
He emphasised the importance of enhancing maritime safety and security by safeguarding tourist areas and islands, thus improving services and securing national economic facilities. He wished success to all efforts aimed at protecting the security and safety of the nation.