Bahrain International Defence expo opens

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister attended the opening session of the Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC 2017) which began here yesterday.

Over 3000 delegates are participating in the expo including high profile military, government and industry figures. The event, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, will run until October 18, featuring 180 exhibitors from 60 countries showcasing the latest technology, equipment and hardware across land, sea and air. Alongside the Expo, BIDEC will host the Middle East Military Alliances & Coalitions Conference – a new military forum for dialogue on the importance of international coalitions to addressing global and regional security challenges. The conference will feature delegations from NATO, UN Peacekeeping Operations, The Arab Coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen and the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism.

In a statement following a tour of BIDEC, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said that BIDEC reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting those strategic alliances that are successfully combatting terrorism across the world, noting the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF)’s proud role supporting the Saudi-led coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen and the international coalition’s campaign against Da’esh. His Royal Highness spoke of the importance of forums such as BIDEC to enhancing political and military cooperation in pursuit of regional stability as well as advancing military technology capacities.

Upon arrival at the event, HRH was received by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, Brigadier HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of BIDEC, Major HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guards’ Special Force and senior officials. HRH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said that BIDEC is testament to the Kingdom’s diversified economy, integrated infrastructure and advanced legislation and the spirit of creativity that characterizes Bahraini society.