Head of Bahraini Cybersecurity: Unifying Gulf positions strengthens the response to rapidly evolving technical challenges - Sarmad

(KUNA) – Bahraini National Cybersecurity Authority CEO Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa stressed that the current phase requires unifying Gulf positions and stances on various cyber issues, thereby supporting the development of policies and frameworks governing joint operations and reinforcing Gulf integration in the face of rapidly evolving technological challenges.

This came in a speech delivered by Sheikh Salman Al Khalifa during the opening of the fifth meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee on Cybersecurity, held in Manama on Thursday. The meeting was attended by GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al Budaiwi, ministers, and representatives of relevant cyber authorities from the GCC member states.

He emphasized that the meetings of the GCC Ministerial Committee on Cybersecurity serve as a high-level platform to enhance Gulf integration in the field of cybersecurity and to harmonize strategic visions and orientations, thereby supporting the coordination of joint efforts on priority issues.

He noted that these meetings contribute to formulating joint GCC initiatives and policies and strengthening the cyber readiness of the member states, which in turn helps build a secure, integrated, and capable Gulf system able to efficiently and effectively confront cyber challenges and threats, in line with the aspirations of the GCC states and their peoples.

During the meeting, several agenda items of common interest were discussed, and updates on joint GCC initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across the GCC were reviewed.

The meeting also explored ways to develop coordination and cooperation mechanisms to support Gulf aspirations toward building a secure and trustworthy cyberspace that safeguards common interests and supports sustainable development pathways in the GCC member states.