Naval powers meet to face challenges

Manama : International navies and coast guards are in Bahrain to discuss ways to burgeon cooperation and maritime security in the Arabian Gulf. They are planning for stronger cooperation to combat terrorism, piracy and other challenges at sea.

These topics cropped up during the 5th OPV Middle East conference held at Art Rotana Hotel in Amwaj yesterday. Senior officers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, USA, UK, Australia, Sri Lanka and a host of international navies attended the event. It was officially supported by the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and Royal Bahrain Naval Force.

According to the organisers, the purpose of the conference was to gather influential decision makers from those concerned with maritime security. “It’s to understand the ways in which they can work together and establish mechanisms to achieve greater maritime security in the region.”

Commenting on the meet, the Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, Rear Admiral Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, said, “It’s a great opportunity to discuss current maritime security issues and challenges.  This year many of the regional and combined maritime forces present in Bahrain were able to convey their own unique perspective and experience.”

He said the Bahrain Navy will always be on the path of growth and development. “We are really discussing to upgrade our qualities, training, ships and equipment. All navies have challenges and we always try to overcome these challenges,” he remarked.

Conference Director Rory Keith said this year’s meet was the most diverse and comprehensive summit-of-its-kind in the region. “Delegations from the US Navy, Royal Navy and the GCC as well as senior speakers from Australia and Sri Lanka have come together to approach the issue of collective solutions for maritime security,” he added.  

A number of pressing topics were discussed, with contributions from the US Navy, NATO, Royal Navy, Egyptian Navy, Australian Navy, French Navy, Spanish Navy and a host of other leading naval and maritime organisations. Besides the keynote theme, topics broached included issues such as maritime interdiction operations, the acquisition of vessels and the operation of OPVs etc. 

The three-day event, which opened with a ‘Pre-conference focus day’ on Monday will conclude today.

UK’s naval base an epitome

Speaking to DT News on the sidelines of the conference, UK Maritime Component Command Commander Commodore Will Warrender said the UK naval base, which will be called HMS Juffair, is slated to be opened next year. 

He said that the new base is an epitome of the UK’s interest in ensuring security of the Arabian Gulf.

“This region is incredibly important to the United Kingdom. Events that occur in this region have a direct impact on many nations and the UK is one of them. The new base that is being built here shows the importance we give to the region. I am delighted to inform that it will be opened next year,” he added.