GCC Secretary-General: Security Integration is a Pillar of Gulf Security and Stability

Manama, November 11 (KUNA) – Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Bedaiwi affirmed here on Wednesday that security integration among GCC member states constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the Gulf security and stability framework. This statement was made during Al-Bedaiwi’s address at the 43rd meeting of the interior ministers of the GCC states, held under the chairmanship of Bahraini Interior Minister First Class Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, with Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Salim Al-Sabah participating on behalf of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Sabah.

Al-Bedaiwi stated that the achieved cooperation and joint security coordination reflect the strength of Gulf ties, unity of stance and destiny, and demonstrate the GCC states’ capacity to operate through an integrated security system to protect their gains, safeguard their sovereignty, and preserve the security of their peoples.

The Secretary-General stressed that the security of GCC member states is indivisible, and that any threat to the security of any member state is a threat to the security of the entire Gulf system. He noted that the rapid security changes and developments witnessed in the region have highlighted the importance of Gulf security integration, enhanced the readiness of the security apparatuses in GCC states, and strengthened their ability to deal efficiently and effectively with various new developments.

He affirmed that continuous coordination, unification of efforts, and exchange of expertise among the Gulf interior ministries have contributed to consolidating the foundations of a shared security system, which has become a distinguished model of collective action in facing challenges and protecting security and stability.

Al-Bedaiwi expressed deep pride and admiration for the high efficiency, courage, and dedication demonstrated by the interior ministries and security apparatuses of GCC states in discharging their national duties during the handling of the repercussions of the brazen Iranian attacks on GCC states. He commended the sacrifices made by Gulf security personnel, which embodied the highest meanings of loyalty, belonging, and devotion in protecting homelands and safeguarding their sovereignty.

He emphasized that these honorable stances will remain a testament to the strength of Gulf cohesion and the resilience of its security system, serving as a national and Gulf legacy from which future generations will draw the meanings of sacrifice and devotion.

The Secretary-General recalled with reverence and respect the martyrs who gave their lives in defense of their homelands’ security and the safety of their peoples, praying to God Almighty to envelop them with His vast mercy, grant them spacious Paradise, and grant the injured swift recovery. He affirmed that their sacrifices will remain a source of pride and appreciation for the people of the GCC states.

In a related context, Al-Bedaiwi strongly condemned the treacherous attacks launched by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including targeting holy sites, considering these acts a blatant violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy places and an unacceptable assault on the Kingdom’s security and sovereignty.

He affirmed that GCC states stand as one united front alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressing full solidarity and support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security, stability, territorial integrity, and sanctities, based on the shared Gulf destiny and the firmly established principle that the security of the Kingdom is an indivisible part of the security of all GCC states.

The Secretary-General pointed out that the trajectory of Gulf security cooperation has achieved numerous qualitative accomplishments, thanks to the directives of the GCC states’ leaders and the efforts of the interior ministers. These achievements have strengthened the paths of joint security work and consolidated the GCC’s position as a regional and global model in security cooperation and integration.

He affirmed that these accomplishments carry a clear Gulf message to the world: that Gulf security is a single security with a shared destiny, and that Gulf unity and the integration of its security apparatuses constitute a fundamental guarantee for protecting the security of its states and the stability of their peoples.

He concluded his speech by expressing his profound gratitude and appreciation to the Bahraini Minister of Interior and to all those involved in organizing the meeting, commending the efforts of the deputy ministers of interior, security agency personnel, and technical committees in the GCC states, and their tireless work to enhance Gulf security integration and consolidate its foundations, thereby safeguarding the security and stability of the GCC states and preserving their achievements. (End) K.N.A. / M.A.A.