Saudi Gazette report

MANAMA — The Saudi Royal Naval Forces took part in the multinational mixed international naval drill, IMX19, that kicked off on Sunday from the Bahrain-based US Naval Forces Central Command in the area stretching from the Gulf of Aqaba up to the northern Arabian Gulf.

Fifty-six countries and seven international organizations are taking part in the exercise that seeks to boost cooperation and strengthen relations between the participating nations.

The Saudi forces were received by Saudi military attache in Bahrain, Brig. Gen. Fahad Al-Thunayan at the Mina Salman seaport in Bahrain, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

During the first phase of the exercise, participants will undergo theoretical and academic training related to overcoming obstacles hindering marine navigation and international trade.

The second phase covers marine maneuvers with the participation of battleships aimed at neutralizing any threats to global marine routes.

ssistant Commander of the IMX19 naval exercise and Commander of the Saudi Naval Task Force Brig. Gen. Abdullah Bin Fehaid Al-Shammari said that the participation of Saudi forces in this international exercise is due to the keenness of the Naval Forces Command to enhance international relations and make long lasting joint work with the global navies.