Military coalitions and alliances crucial for region: MEMAC chief

Manama : Bahrain Center for Strategic and International Studies and Energy (DERASAT) and Middle East Military Alliances and Coalitions (MEMAC) Chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa who addressed the session made a clear reference to the Qatari and Iranian supportive roles to terrorism in the region.

“The region has been targeted by many threats, such as Iran’s nuclear weapons development, supporting terrorist groups, meddling in others affairs and disturbing the peace. Qatar chose to be within the same strategies and plans of Iran. Hence, the role of the military coalitions and alliances in the region is crucial,” he said.

Shaikh Abdulla added that the conference is a bridge of dialogue between the countries of the world in their fight against terrorism, radical groups and extremist ideologies, emphasising that the resources used in battles should be utilised in strengthening peace and development.

Bahrain Defence Force Commander-in-Chief Field Marshall Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was the chief guest at the opening session of MEMAC being held here. Twenty-one delegates who hold leading military roles in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia, the UAE, the USA, the UK, Cyprus and Greece will address the gathering.

The second session will be held today at Bahrain International Exhibitions and Conferences Centre and will feature 18 speakers who include international defence experts, strategists and academics.

 The defence  expo and conference is organised by Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and the Middle East Military Alliances and Coalitions (MEMAC) in cooperation with the Bahrain Center for Strategic and International Studies and Energy (DERASAT).