Al-Badawi: Gulf Security is Indivisible; Attacking One Threatens All - Sarmad

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, affirmed in Manama today, Wednesday, that security integration among GCC member states constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the Gulf security and stability framework.

This statement came during Al-Budaiwi’s address at the 43rd meeting of the interior ministers of the GCC states, held under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Minister of Interior, First Class General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and with the participation of Kuwait’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah, on behalf of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Sabah.

Al-Budaiwi stated that the achieved cooperation and joint security coordination reflect the strength of Gulf ties, unity of position and destiny, and embody 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 emphasized 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 and enhanced the readiness and capability of the security apparatuses in GCC states to deal efficiently and effectively with various emerging challenges.

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

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

He stressed 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 the security of their homelands and the safety of their peoples, praying to Almighty God to envelop them in 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 peoples of the GCC states.

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

He affirmed that the GCC states stand as one united front alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressing their 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 noted that the trajectory of Gulf security cooperation has, thanks to the directives of the GCC heads of state and the efforts of the interior ministers, achieved numerous qualitative accomplishments that have strengthened joint security work and consolidated the GCC’s position as a regional and global model in security cooperation and integration.

He affirmed that these achievements carry a clear Gulf message to the entire world: that the security of the Gulf is a single security and its destiny is shared, 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 its 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.