Al-Wahib: Developing Gulf Security Work to Preserve Stability

Deputy Minister of Interior Major General Abdulwahab Al-Wahayb commended the Kingdom of Bahrain, as host of the current Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) chairmanship, for its effective management of the preparatory meetings for the 43rd meeting of GCC Interior Ministers. The Interior Ministry stated in a press release that this commendation was expressed during a meeting in Manama on Wednesday between Bahrain’s Interior Minister, First Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and Major General Al-Wahayb, who was received as part of a broader reception for heads of delegations participating in the meeting of GCC Interior Ministers’ deputies.

Major General Al-Wahayb conveyed greetings from Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Bahrain’s hospitality and warm reception.

During the meeting, Bahrain’s Interior Minister emphasized that cooperation and coordination among GCC states form the foundation for effectively addressing security challenges and emergency situations. He praised the patronage and support provided by the GCC heads of state to the trajectory of Gulf security cooperation, noting that such backing strengthens collaboration and security stability. He welcomed the delegation heads, highlighting the importance of the preparatory meeting in discussing security issues and formulating recommendations to be presented to the GCC Interior Ministers at their 43rd meeting, thereby contributing to the development of joint Gulf security efforts. He wished the meeting success, expressing hope that its outcomes would enhance the security, stability, and well-being of GCC states and their peoples.

Major General Al-Wahayb stressed the importance of intensifying security coordination and cooperation among GCC states to confront evolving security challenges, continue developing human and technical capacities, and exchange expertise, all of which contribute to enhancing the efficiency and readiness of security agencies.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry noted that these remarks were made by Major General Al-Wahayb during his address while presiding over the Kuwaiti delegation at the meeting of GCC Interior Ministers’ deputies, held in Manama on Tuesday (the day before Wednesday), in preparation for the 43rd GCC Interior Ministers’ meeting, with participation from representatives of the GCC Secretariat General.

He highlighted the importance of expanding digital transformation projects among the interior ministries of GCC states, accelerating the exchange of information and data among security agencies, and enhancing electronic integration in services and procedures, thereby supporting the development of the security work system and improving institutional performance.

Concluding his speech, Major General Al-Wahayb expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its warm reception, generous hospitality, and efforts to ensure the success of the meeting, commending the GCC Secretariat General’s work in preparation and organization.

Representatives of member states discussed topics proposed by the Secretariat General and issues related to joint periodic meetings across various security fields, with the aim of submitting recommendations to the GCC Interior Ministers at their upcoming meeting.

For his part, Bahrain’s Deputy Minister of Interior, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, emphasized that the current regional circumstances, marked by developments and security challenges, necessitate intensified coordination and cooperation among GCC security agencies, enhanced readiness, and preparedness to address emerging developments, thereby contributing to preserving the security and stability of Gulf states and the safety of their citizens and residents.

The Bahrain News Agency reported that this came during a meeting chaired by the Deputy Minister of Interior of Bahrain, attended by the deputy ministers of interior from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the head of the Kuwaiti delegation, Major General Abdulwahab Al-Wahab, Deputy Minister of Interior of Kuwait. The meeting was held in the context of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th session of the GCC Council and its commitment to supporting the progress of joint Gulf security efforts and enhancing cooperation and coordination among security agencies.

Expressing full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Major General Abdulwahab Al-Wahab, Deputy Minister of Interior, affirmed Kuwait’s steadfast support for the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its complete solidarity with it in the face of Houthi attacks that targeted civilian facilities and resulted in innocent casualties. He expressed Kuwait’s strong condemnation and denunciation of these attacks, which pose a threat to the security and stability of the Kingdom and to the security of the entire region.