Manama: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries have sent a strong message about their determination to protect their security collectively and to reinforce their military and defense cooperation at all levels.
The six member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — on Wednesday concluded their joint drills, Arabian Gulf Security 1, launched on October 27 in Bahrain.
“The drills confirm the deep-rooted, robust and distinguished relations among the GCC countries at all levels, particularly in the security areas,” King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa said as he attended the concluding ceremony.
“Bahrain is proud to have hosted these joint security drills that are held within a training policy adopted by the GCC countries.”
The continuation of the joint drills consolidates relations and enhances the competence and enriches the experience of the participants, he added.
The ceremony held at the Royal Academy of Police was attended by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Prince Mohammad Bin Nayef, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Minister of Interior Shaikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt. General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Shaikh Mohammad Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, Oman’s Minister of Interior, Humood Bin Faisal Al Busaidi, and Bahrain’s Minister of Interior Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.
In a meeting with the GCC officials, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa highlighted the significance of the GCC’s cooperation and coordination amidst regional challenges and stressed the GCC’s united effort to maintain regional security and stability, a key pillar of long-term sustainable development.
“The Arabian Gulf Security 1 exercise comes as result of a multi-lateral GCC security agreement aimed at boosting readiness,” he said. “The drill provided a unique opportunity for joint-GCC coordination on security strategies and measures through a real-life simulation in order to combat any potential security challenges faced within the region.”
