Under the patronage of the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the BDF Officers’ Club hosted today the inauguration of a book entitled "Khalifa bin Ahmed Biography and March".

The commander-in-chief deputised Oil Minister, Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to attend the inauguration ceremony of the book which sheds light on his professional and human life.

Defence Affairs Minister, Lieutenant-General Yussef bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma, Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, and BDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Dhiyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, were also present.

After some holy Quran verses were recited, the author, media figure Said Abdulla Al-Hamad, delivered a statement in which he paid tribute to Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed, praising his dedication in the service of the nation and achievements as a BDF commander-in-chief.

He said that the book contains chapters highlighting Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed’s life, upbringing and how he lived with people, played with them and shared everything with them, so he loved them and they loved him. 

Then, the Minister of Oil, Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa, delivered a speech on behalf of the Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed, noting that the book is inaugurated marking the kingdom’s celebrations of the BDF’s 50th Anniversary.

He credited His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, with the establishment of the BDF, and commended the efforts exerted by those worked with HM the King to advance the BDF.

He asserted that the BDF has enjoyed the support of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, since its inception and also the backing of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. 

The minister voiced pride in the honourable patriotic achievements of the BDF and its affiliates, stressing their unwavering keenness on defending the nation, the GCC and Arab causes, citing in this regard the BDF’s participation in the Saudi-led Arab Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. 

The Oil Minister extended sincere thanks and appreciation to the author, Said Al-Hamad and to Colonel Abdulla bin Said Al-Ka’abi for the efforts they had exerted in compiling the biography of the BDF commander-in-chief, noting that the book sheds light on the key role played by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed in the establishment of the BDF, under the leadership of HM King Hamad, the Supreme Commander.

He added that Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed epitomizes the personality of an Arab Muslim commander for his loyalty, devotion, honesty, bravery, courage, fairness and strong determination, noting that he taught all those values to his sons at home, and to the BDF affiliates.

The minister described the book as a historical reference for Bahrain’s modern military history.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by senior officials, diplomats, ambassadors, military attachés, senior BDF, National Guard and Interior Ministry’s officers, writers, journalists and media personnel.