Manama, Dec25(BNA)Bahrain and Azerbaidjan have today signed the preamble relating to the implementation of the joint military cooperation pact. The deal was sealed on the sidelines of the session of talks which was chaired by Bahrain Defence Force (BDF)Commander-in-Chief Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa and Azeri Defence Minister General Zakir Hasanov. The two sides exchanged commemorative gifts as part of the signing ceremony.
The meeting was attended by BDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Minister of State for Defence Affairs Major-General Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma, senior BDF officers, member of the Azeri delegation and Saudi-based Azeri Ambassador to Bahrain Rasim Rzayev.

General Zakir Hasanov was briefed on the BDF multi-phased formation, weaponry, military units and development strides in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Supreme Commander.
The two sides discussed aspects of joint military relations and ways of bolstering defence ties, in addition to key issues of mutual interest. Commander-in-Chief Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa hailed solid relations bonding the two countries, stressing Bahrain leaders’ keenness on bolstering joint ties.

Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa accompanied the Azeri minister on a visit to the Royal Bahrain Air Force and were received by RBAF Commandant Major-General Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa and other officers.
They also paid a similar visit to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force where they were welcomed by RBNF Commandant Commodore Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa and other officers. The Azeri defence minister has also inspected the Bahraini frigate Sabha. Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa then hosted a lunch banquet at the BDF Officers’ Club in honour of General Zakir Hasanov and the accompanying delegation. Senior BDF officers attended.

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BNA 1823 GMT 2014/12/25