Gulf states approve opening advanced command for unified military command in Kuwait
Press coverage 2 newspapers covered this event: Al-Qabas · KUNA →
Gulf defense ministers approved opening an advanced command in Kuwait to enhance joint military operations to face challenges.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, Jassem Al-Bedaiwi, stated that the defense ministers of the GCC countries approved, during their meeting today, the establishment of an advanced command for the Unified Military Command in Kuwait and the allocation of appropriate forces to it. These measures were among the decisions adopted at the 23rd session of the GCC Joint Defense Council, held today, Tuesday, in Manama, presided over by Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Naimi, Bahrain’s Minister of Defense and current session chair, with participation from the defense ministers of the GCC states.
The Secretary-General noted that joint military efforts receive the utmost attention, care, and support from Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, reflecting their conviction in the bonds of cohesion uniting the GCC states and their awareness of the responsibility of the armed forces in ensuring the security and stability of their countries, preserving their integrity and independence, and developing their capabilities to meet the hopes and aspirations placed upon them. The leaders of the GCC states consistently emphasize the necessity and importance of strengthening this blessed Gulf trajectory, thereby enhancing the region’s capacity to confront various present and future challenges and threats. He also highlighted the high-level directives issued by Their Majesties and Highnesses during their extraordinary meeting in Jeddah last April, aimed at bolstering joint Gulf military cooperation, which reflects a firm Gulf resolve to safeguard the security and sovereignty of the GCC states and enhance their ability to address common threats.
He further addressed the rapid developments in the region, particularly Iranian aggressive attacks, commending the level of military cooperation and coordination among the GCC states in responding to these developments and their repercussions. This cooperation exemplifies Gulf cohesion and integration in fulfilling their duties, and underscores that the security of our nations is a shared Gulf responsibility. The concerted military efforts of the GCC states enhance their capacity to protect their territories and assets, and to safeguard the security of their citizens and residents.
In this context, His Excellency expressed profound pride and admiration for the courage and high professionalism demonstrated by the armed forces of the GCC states in repelling the brazen Iranian attacks, as well as for the sacrifices made by their personnel in fulfilling their national duty. Their steadfastness and loyalty embody the highest meanings of allegiance and belonging, proving that they are fully capable of shouldering the responsibility of protecting our homelands and preserving their sovereignty. He prayed to God to have mercy on our righteous martyrs who fell during the recent events, asking Almighty God to envelop them in His boundless mercy and forgiveness, grant them a spacious place in Paradise, and inspire their families and loved ones with patience and solace. He also prayed for the injured to receive swift healing and complete recovery. The sacrifices of our martyrs will remain etched in the hearts of the Gulf people, serving as a source of pride and honor for future generations.
Furthermore, while we strongly condemn the grave Iranian aggressions against the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which have caused damage to numerous civilian assets and infrastructure, we also strongly condemn and denounce the treacherous attacks by the Houthi militia on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of holy sites. These acts constitute a blatant violation of the sanctity and revered status of these sites among Muslims, and represent a blatant affront to the security and sovereignty of the Kingdom. We reaffirm the unity of the GCC states in standing shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom, expressing their full solidarity and support for all measures it undertakes to safeguard its security, stability, territorial integrity, and holy sites. This stance is rooted in the shared destiny of the Gulf region and the firm conviction that the security of the Kingdom is an integral part of the security of all GCC member states.
The Secretary-General concluded his statement by emphasizing that the agenda of the 23rd session of the GCC Common Defense Council included several important decisions that will advance our joint Gulf military cooperation toward broader integration.
