Defense Minister Attends 23rd Joint Defense Council Meeting of GCC States in Manama

Manama -- Kuwait’s Minister of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Salim Al-Sabah, participated today in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, in the 23rd session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Common Defense Council, attended by the defense ministers of the GCC states and GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Bedawi. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense said in a statement received by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the meeting discussed a number of topics and issues related to developing the framework for joint Gulf military operations, alongside adopting several decisions and endorsing recommendations aimed at supporting integration among the armed forces of the GCC states and enhancing their readiness and defensive capabilities. During the meeting, the defense ministers approved the establishment of an advanced command for the Unified Military Command in Kuwait and the allocation of appropriate forces to it. The defense ministers also expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, may God protect and guard them, for their continuous support of the joint military operations and their keen interest in developing the Gulf defense framework. At the conclusion of the meeting, the defense ministers emphasized that joint Gulf defense efforts represent an impenetrable barrier against various risks and threats, and a protective shield to safeguard national interests and economic resources, and to advance their progress toward greater security and prosperity. (End) K.N.A. / N.S.A.