KUWAIT CITY, Oct 30: Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Thursday, stressed on the importance of training in order for the army units to reach the degree of readiness and to upgrade the level of combat efficiency of the armed forces. The exercise was carried out by the Naval Force at the Mohammad Al-Ahmad Naval Base in Julai’a between Oct 24 and 28 with the participation of number of affiliated units. The Minister of Defense stressed -- according to the statement -- the importance of developing plans and training programs and drawing a road map based on the elements of qualification and training to keep pace with the development and modernization processes of the armed forces in the fields of armament and equipment for the protectors of the homeland to perform their tasks and duties with efficiency and competence.

The Commander of the Naval Force, Rear Admiral Hazza Al-Alati, speaking during the closing ceremony welcomed all those present and gave a detailed briefing on the various stages, course and objectives of the exercise to raise combat readiness as team work and developing individual skills and abilities. Following this the attendees witnessed a practical training presentation of clearing mines planted in sea, sea-landing operations, with the participation of marines, led by special task forces, and supported by naval support planes.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Sheikh Hamad praised the advanced level and advanced performance of the participants in the exercise, which reflects the extent of their capabilities, skills and capabilities. He expressed his pride in the members of the naval force who stand united with their brothers in the army in order to defend the homeland, preserve its security and stability, and listen and obey its commander HH the Amir, we pray to God to protect him. Sheikh Hamad called on the members of the Navy to maintain the high morale they enjoy and to continue working and exerting efforts to reach the desired levels of efficiency and skill and prayed to God Almighty to grant everyone success to work for the good and prosperity of the nation under the wise leadership and directions of HH the Amir, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, HH the Crown Prince and HH the Prime Minister. The closing ceremony was attended by Chief-of-the-Army General Staff Lieutenant-General Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant-General Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and a number of senior army and Interior Ministry commanders. (KUNA)