NEWS
On March 5, 2026, The Kingdom of Bahrain, along with the United States and the United Kingdom, held extraordinary consultations under Article II of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council of the Kingdom of Bahrain, consulted with Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of the United States Central Command, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defense Staff of the United Kingdom, all members of the C-SIPA Defense Working Group (DSW). DSW members discussed the current security landscape in the region, notably the hostile Iranian aggression that seeks to blatantly undermine the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain and neighboring nations. All parties underscored the robust partnership and collaboration between their countries, reaffirming their shared commitment to addressing challenges to regional security and stability collectively. The DWG discussions highlighted the strategic partnership established under C-SIPA, which underlines mutual commitments to enhance security cooperation and collective deterrence against external threats. All partners reiterated their dedication to continuing to work together to confront external aggressions that may threaten any member’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This commitment reflects the deep ties between the C-SIPA member nations and their alignment on the necessary security measures to ensure peace and stability across the region.more
Under the patronage of Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, a graduation ceremony was held for one of the Royal Guard's recruit courses at the Square of Fallen Serviceman Lieutenant Colonel Abdulla Rashid Al Noaimi in Al Rawdha Camp, in the presence of Colonel His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard’s Special Operations, coinciding with the Bahrain Defence Force’s 58th anniversary. The ceremony began with the Royal Guard Commander’s salute, followed by His Highness the National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander inspecting the parade. This was followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, then a practical demonstration by the graduates, which included a military march. A briefing was also provided about the course, including its theoretical and practical programmes, military training, field skills and practical exercises. At the end of the ceremony, His Highness presented awards to the top performers, and the graduates took the legal oath. His Highness affirmed that the continued patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, as well as the directives of Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, have strengthened military discipline and high professionalism, and enhanced the efficiency and readiness of the members of the Force. His Highness explained that the participants in this course have demonstrated strong determination and unwavering loyalty, embodying their sacrifice to protect the Kingdom’s security. His Highness also praised the high morale of the graduates, commending the course’s outstanding results. His Highness commended the efforts exerted by the trainers to achieve the course’s outstanding professional level, which also led to achieving an advanced military standard. His Highness urged the graduates to continue their dedication and uphold this national trust in their work, wishing everyone success. The graduation ceremony was attended by Major General Hamad Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Deputy Commander of the Royal Guard, a number of officers and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Guard, and the families of the graduates.more
Lieutenant General High Nighness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, inaugurated the Royal Guard's Al Rawdha Running Track in the presence of Colone His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard's Special Operations, coinciding with Sports Day. His Highness unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the opening of the track and was briefed on its features and the key specifications on which it was built. His Highness then toured the track and reviewed its facilities. His Highness also visited the Champions Centre, where he was briefed on the programmes and activities offered, and participated in a number of games and sports exercises as part of the Sports Day activities. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised the unlimited support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, and the continuous follow-up of Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, to the military sports sector, which resulted in numerous military achievements in regional and international forums. His Highness explained that the track is a qualitative addition to sports facilities and reflects the ongoing interest in developing infrastructure that supports physical activities for Royal Guard members. The track also reflects the continuous keenness to provide training grounds in various military facilities. The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Hamad Khalifa Al Noaimi, Deputy Royal Guard Commander, a number of officers and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Guard, and a number of officers from the Bahrain Defense Force.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander received Gines Jaime Ricardo Dacanay Gallaga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, His Highness praised the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of the Philippines, as well as the rapid development and fruitful coordination in various fields, affirming his keenness to continue developing these relations towards broader horizons of partnership and constructive cooperation. His Highness reviewed with the Ambassador a number of topics of mutual interest and discussed ways to support bilateral cooperation in various fields.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander received Aref Yousuf Hosain Saleh, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Highness affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to promoting and consolidating the values of peace, tolerance and human coexistence at all levels. The meeting reviewed the most prominent regional and international developments.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander received Nasser Abdullah Hassan Al Nassr, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Bahrain, upon his appointment as Ambassador. During the meeting, His Highness praised the depth of bilateral relations and their continuous development at various levels, thanks to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Highness Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar. His Highness affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to expand cooperation and joint coordination for the benefit of the two brotherly peoples. The meeting reviewed the latest regional and international developments, in addition to discussing issues of mutual interest.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander and Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council, affirmed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, to adopt modern security concepts that support strategic flexibility as a fundamental pillar for sustaining national security and ensuring readiness to deal with regional and international changes and challenges. This came during His Highness’s opening of the second edition of the National Defence and Security Forum, in the presence of Colonel His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard’s Special Operations, and with the participation of Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Advisor, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council; Alistair Long, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Bahrain; Stephanie Hallett, Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of Bahrain; Vice Admiral Curt Renshaw, Commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command and Fifth Fleet Commander; and national leaders and experts in the military and security fields. His Highness noted that holding the second edition of this forum is a continuation of the success of the first edition, and aims to develop a shared vision that enhances the military and security sectors' ability to adapt and respond quickly, based on the Royal Vision and the Kingdom's firm belief in the importance of joint action to enable the defence system to achieve comprehensive security sustainability to maintain peace and stability. His Highness expressed thanks and appreciation to the relevant authorities for their constructive contribution in organising the forum, praising the achievements that reflect the efficiency and integration of institutions working as a single team. The forum, organised by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Defence Council, will be held on 10-11 February and will feature a series of panel discussions highlighting strategic flexibility and mechanisms for achieving national security sustainability in light of current challenges.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, affirmed that the Bahrain Defense Force is advancing towards progress and development in various fields and levels thanks to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, as well as the follow-up of Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force. His Highness pointed out that this integrated support has contributed to advancing development and modernization, and consolidating the professional military system, in line with modern defense changes and requirements, which enhances military and field capabilities and raises the level of combat readiness and administrative efficiency. This came during His Highness's patronage of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Royal Special Force and the graduation of the 52nd Joint Commando Course, coinciding with the celebrations of the 58th anniversary of the establishment of the Bahrain Defense Force. Upon arrival, His Highness was received by Colonel His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force, Major General Isa Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Commander of the Royal Special Force, and a number of senior officers of the Bahrain Defense Force. The ceremony began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech by the Commander of the Royal Special Forces, in which he explained that the Royal Special Forces is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the graduation of the 52nd Joint Commando Course since the first course was held in December 1976. He emphasized the readiness of the Force to continue their efforts, loyalty, dedication, sacrifice, and defense of their homeland. A briefing was then given on the stages of the course and its theoretical and practical applications. This was followed by field exercises carried out by the graduates of the Course, which included a number of specialized operations, followed by a freefall demonstration, reflecting their efficiency, leadership, control, military management, combat professionalism, and advanced field skills, which was carried out with high morale. His Highness distributed commemorative gifts to senior officers and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Special Force, certificates to graduates, and awards of appreciation to those who excelled in the course. His Highness praised the advanced level of combat skills and high field operations demonstrated by the graduates and congratulated them on successfully completing the course. At the end of the ceremony, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad received a commemorative gift from the Commander of the Royal Special Force.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council, received Brigadier Nicholas Wight-Boycott, Commander of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom, and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Advisor, Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council, and a number of officials from the British Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
During the meeting, His Highness expressed appreciation for the prominent role played by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in training and qualifying military leaders, affirming the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to continue strengthening cooperation with the United Kingdom in various areas of mutual interest.
The meeting also discussed aspects of joint cooperation and ways to enhance it, particularly in military training and qualification and the exchange of expertise, to support common interests and strengthen relations between the two friendly countries.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council, received Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States of America, and her accompanying delegation, in the presence of Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Advisor and Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council, and Stephanie Hallett, Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States of America, stressing that the existing cooperation between the two friendly countries is a fundamental pillar in supporting regional security and stability. During the meeting, they reviewed the historical friendship between the two countries in light of their strategic partnership and joint agreements, including the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). They also discussed ways to develop cooperation and joint coordination to serve mutual interests and consolidate regional security and stability. The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest and affirmed the importance of continuing cooperation to address current challenges and support efforts to consolidate security and peace in the region.more
