(MENAFN - Arab News) Defense Minister Prince Salman yesterday expressed his satisfaction over the combat preparedness of armed forces stationed in the northeastern border region of Hafr Al-Baten.
"I am quite happy to visit this valuable region, which has witnessed marvelous performances and taken part in historic battles in the past," Prince Salman told armed forces in the region.
He said his visit was aimed at understanding the degree of the army's preparedness as well as the requirements of the various military sectors deployed in the region.
"I am very happy over what I have heard and seen in the region and this will encourage me to work more and make in-depth plans to meet your requirements," the minister said.
Prince Salman inspected a military parade in Hafr Al-Baten and conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, supreme commander of the armed forces, and Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, to the forces.
He said he was honored to convey the Saudi leadership's keen interest to extend every assistance to the armed forces to facilitate their operational and training missions in a secure environment.
The minister commended the peace and stability being enforced all over the Kingdom. "This stability is based on two major pillars. First, the application of Shariah and, second, the establishment of justice."
The military parade was attended by Prince Jelawi bin Abdul Aziz, deputy governor of the Eastern Province, Prince Faisal bin Salman, chairman of Saudi Research & Marketing Group, Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman, Prince Bandar bin Salman, Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail and Gen. Abdul Rahman Al-Binayan, director of the minister's office.
Prince Salman visited the 6th Air Defense Squadron in the region and the Command of the Peninsula Shield Force. Maj. Gen Mutlaq Al-Azimae, commander of Peninsula Shield, a joint force of GCC countries, briefed the minister on its duties and missions.
The defense minister later left Hafr Al-Baten at the conclusion of his inspection tour and was seen off at King Khaled Military Airport by Prince Jelawi, Gen. Al-Qubail, and Maj. Gen. Matar Al-Buqami, commander of the Northern Province forces.
