Military training given top priority

Defense Minister Prince Salman attended a graduation ceremony at the Institute of Air Defense Force in Jeddah yesterday to mark the completion of special training courses for graduate officers.
On arrival at the institute, Prince Salman was received by Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Abdul Aziz Al-Hussein, Western Region Commander Maj. Gen. Zaal Al-Biluwi, Director General of Administration Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Al-Malik and Brig. Saeed Al-Ghamdi, acting commander of the institute.
Addressing the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Amri, commander of King Abdullah Air Defense Academy, commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for developing the Kingdom’s armed forces in terms of weapons and manpower.
“The Saudi leadership has given top priority to the development of human resources, especially in the armed forces, so that the military personnel are able to carry out their mission efficiently,” he said.
Al-Amri said the graduates have been given training on basic military sciences and tactics after they completed their university education in specializations required by the armed forces.
Prince Salman distributed prizes to outstanding graduates. His deputy Prince Khaled bin Sultan also attended the function.
Also yesterday, Prince Salman met with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamad at his office in Jeddah and discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The Indian minister also held talks with Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar on matters related to Indian pilgrims coming for Haj and Umrah. Ahamad commended King Abdullah’s efforts in the service of pilgrims and for carrying out the largest Grand Mosque expansion.