MANAMA: With the launch of the 1st Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC) on Wednesday, the Kingdom has re-positioned itself to serve as the right platform for the countries seeking and negotiating political and military operational alliances.
“Bahrain’s efforts in promoting and helping to sustain the peace and security at the regional and international levels has been one of the key pillars of this peace loving nation over the decades and the launch of BIDEC will bolster the status of the Kingdom in the fields of defence, political and military operational alliances,” His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, told the media during the launch-cum-Press Conference of BIDEC 2017.
“The launch of BIDEC 2017 at this point of time is very crucial as this platform serve as a key for the regional and international players working on peace and security in the Arab region and abroad,” HH Shaikh Nasser told The24X7News Bahrain (www.twentyfoursevennews.com).
“The Arab Coalition against Yemen and Saudi led Islamic countries’ alliance against terrorism will be key components on the themes of the BIDEC Conference and the conference concurrently will be a right forum to discuss, elaborate and seek coalitions on political and military operational sides,” His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for International Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The24X7News Bahrain (www.twentyfoursevennews.com).
Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa BIDEC takes place from 16th to 18th October 2017 will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The BDEC will be biannual event with expected was announced at a Press Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain on Wednesday, 19 October 2016. Attending the Press Conference, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of Bahrain Royal Guard and Chairman of BIDEC 2017 announced the event to regional and international media. The event, scheduled between 16-18 October 2017, is Bahrain’s first tri-service defence exhibition, covering land, sea and air. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa addressed the room: “We look forward to everyone here supporting our ambitions of developing a world-class defence exhibition and conference to further the Bahrain Defence Forces continued ambitions of a modern and forward thinking armed forces.”
The event is fully supported by Bahrain Defence Force and will be organised by Clarion Events. Tim Porter, Managing Director, Clarion Defence & Security presented the overview of BIDEC 2017 to the attendees. The briefing outlined the exhibition and how industry and military will be offered the best possible opportunities at BIDEC 2017, as well as some of the highlights that will be featured at the event.
“Being the largest organiser of defence and security events worldwide, Clarion are extremely pleased and honoured to be given the opportunity to expand our portfolio of exhibitions into Bahrain. We look forward to developing this prestigious event on behalf of the Bahrain Defence Force and the Government of Bahrain,” Tim Porter, Managing Director at Clarion Events, said.
The launch-cum-press conference was held in the presence of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for International Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamoud Al Khalifa, CEO Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority and Colonel Nofal Isa Al Doseri, Head of International Cooperation Branch, Bahrain Defence Force.
Also in attendance at the BIDEC press conference were Defence Attachés and Ambassadors from over 35 countries including India, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA.
Slated as the Kingdom’s largest international defence exhibition, BIDEC 2017 will have a fully hosted international military VIP Delegation Programme that will include representatives from all over the world. It is expected that over 100 international manufacturers and suppliers of the latest military equipment, technology and systems will be present. With over 3000 international visitors expected to attend, there will be a Static Display Area within the exhibition showcasing the latest military vehicles and airframes. The Middle East Military Alliances and Coalitions Conference, addressing the biggest challenges in Bahrain and beyond, will also run alongside the exhibition. BIDEC will also host unique features which include Live Parachute Exercises, Shooting Range Exercises, Warship Display and Military Vehicle Demos.
“BIDEC 2017 presents Bahrain with a fantastic opportunity to attract thousands of visitors to the country to take part in the exhibition and also to enjoy the country as a tourism and trade hub; We look forward to welcoming people from all around the world to the Kingdom of Bahrain for BIDEC 2017,” Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamoud Al Khalifa, CEO Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority, said.