‘A unique platform’ to discuss security issues and strategies

The Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC), has emerged a key platform, where participants can discuss security, stability and military strategy to deal with the challenges faced by the Middle East region. “BIDEC has emerged as a very important biennial event for the military industry as a whole and for this region,” Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) told Bahrain News Agency on the sidelines of BIDEC 2019.

“A conference of this stature during these challenging times in such complicated geopolitical situations to raise issues of technology and the importance of weapon system development certainly helps in formulating the right policies to address such issues.” The second edition of Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC 2019) concluded yesterday after it was held for three days.

The conference saw healthy debates by five panels of experts of regional and international security and stability issues. “I was really happy to hear National Security Adviser His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s views and comparisons of the geopolitics in the wake of rapidly changing technological landscape in an area, where we all need to work hard to reach the right solutions for the multi-faceted challenges in the security, stability and military areas,” Mr Al Zayani said.

The GCC chief, who addressed the conference’s first panel titled ‘Global Military Technology Outlook’ emphasised the significance of greater co-operation in developing the right weapons systems and right supply chain of weapons to all military forces. “It is amazing to see all these products under one roof and lead manufacturers in the field and to listen to views expressed by experts and academicians.

I hope that Bahrain Defence Force continues to have these conferences and exhibitions for the benefit of national, regional and international security. Bahrain stands at the forefront for organising such events paving the way for vibrant discussions of important topics related to sovereignty, peace, stability and security.” HH Shaikh Nasser yesterday met members of the organising committee of the conference. He praised the good organisation of the event, stressing the importance of the conference sessions and participation of the exhibiting companies and invitees in ensuring success of BIDEC 2019.

The organising committee members thanked Major General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for the praise, pledging to continue working hard to boost the Kingdom’s status as a major host of international conferences and exhibitions and enhance its standing as a strategic centre to maintain co-operation between regional and international allies. Separately, HM the King’s Personal Representative and President of the Supreme Council for Environment, HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, today paid a visit to the second Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC 2019), held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

HH Shaikh Abdulla lauded His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s patronage of BIDEC 2019, being a leading event in the region that reflects the kingdom’s prestigious status in the defence exhibitions and conferences industry. HH Shaikh Abdulla hailed the role played by the National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander and Chairman of the High Organising Committee of BIDEC 2019, Major-General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and his unwavering keenness to ensure the event’s success, commensurate with the kingdom’s reputation in this field.

He stressed that the exhibited advanced equipment and technology contribute to enhancing modern technological industries, highlighting the kingdom’s experience in this regard, and interest in attracting more specialised conferences and exhibitions to achieve sustainable development goals, as well as regional and global security and stability. HH Shaikh Abdulla toured BIDEC, and was informed about the advanced technology used in land, air and sea weapons.