Bahraini Interior Minister: Gulf Security is Indivisible - Sarmad

(KUNA) – Bahraini Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa affirmed on Wednesday the Kingdom of Bahrain’s full solidarity with and support for the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability against the blatant attacks carried out by the terrorist Houthi militia, based on the understanding that the security of the two kingdoms and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) system are indivisible.

This was stated in a speech delivered by Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah while presiding over the 43rd meeting of GCC Interior Ministers, attended by Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah, representing First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah expressed sincere pride in the patronage and support enjoyed by the GCC security cooperation process by the leaders of GCC member states, which contributes to developing security cooperation and coordination and consolidating stability within the region.

The Bahraini Interior Minister said, “Our meeting today gains significance that transcends the topics on its agenda, as security in today’s world is no longer a separate issue defined by geography, nor do threats come only from their traditional sources.” He clarified that “border security is linked to port security, supply chains, and economic security is connected to community security and cyberspace, making them all an integral part of the security system.”

He added that a state’s strength is now measured by its ability to protect people, safeguard its interests, and prepare for the future with a sound mind and firm will. Today’s responsibility requires moving from crisis management to enhancing the concept of constant preparedness, from isolated responses to strengthening and supporting joint GCC security capabilities, and from exchanging information when needed to building a system that provides information before it is requested.

He pointed out that the importance of the GCC system for immediate security information exchange becomes evident here, as it is based on speed, accuracy, and trust, enabling security agencies to achieve a clearer integrated vision.

He stated that the security of GCC countries is fully integrated, noting that “for example, enhancing the efficiency of a border crossing in one GCC state strengthens the security of the entire region.” He emphasized that timely and accurate security information prevents crimes before they occur, thwarts threats before they materialize, and protects communities and economies from repercussions that may be difficult to contain later.

He noted that the GCC security strategy represents a significant achievement, as it covers security in its multiple dimensions, including community security, with human security remaining the primary goal.

He praised the efforts of the GCC Secretariat General in organizing a high-level workshop in coordination with the United Nations to prepare a comprehensive security strategy that reflects the reality of a new world where threats intersect and the nature of risks changes.

He said that the dangerous repercussions witnessed in the region due to the unjust Iranian aggression and the security challenges arising from the regional crisis underscore the necessity of drawing lessons and enhancing joint GCC preparedness. From this perspective, he recently submitted two proposals to GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi.

He clarified that the first proposal is to prepare a GCC document on security lessons learned from the regional crisis, including a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and threats that emerged during it, and documenting security experiences and practices to enhance joint planning efficiency and contribute to developing the GCC security response system.

He added that the second proposal involves forming a Gulf committee of security experts tasked with anticipating future security challenges and threats that may face the GCC states, with the responsibility of providing forward-looking insights and practical recommendations to support security decision-making.

He emphasized that the role of civil defense agencies in GCC countries in dealing with the repercussions of Iran’s blameworthy aggression and the targeting suffered by Gulf states is highly appreciated from both security and societal perspectives, given their professional and commendable performance in protecting lives and property, managing crises, and containing their effects in coordination with relevant authorities.

He pointed out that efforts should build on acquired expertise to enhance joint security readiness, develop emergency, evacuation, sheltering, and health response plans, and intensify joint Gulf security exercises, in light of the unpredictable developments surrounding the upcoming phase.

He stressed in this context the importance of prioritizing this sector in the course of Gulf security cooperation to ensure public safety, rapid response, and continuity of essential services, as embodied by the Gulf Emergency Management Center as a pioneering Gulf achievement in this field.

He expressed hope that the coming years would mark a transition from close coordination to comprehensive integration, from exchanging expertise to building joint capabilities, and from responding to threats to proactive anticipation.

Several important security topics were discussed during the meeting, foremost among them the means to enhance joint Gulf security cooperation and coordination to address challenges arising from the repercussions of Iran’s blameworthy attacks.

Mechanisms for exchanging expertise across all areas of security work were also discussed, aiming to safeguard public security and safety within the framework of the GCC system and its unifying principles for joint Gulf action, which would help preserve security and strengthen joint efforts to deal efficiently with security challenges.

The ministers also reviewed updates on the joint mobilization exercise for security agencies in GCC countries, scheduled to be held in Kuwait in 2027, as well as developments in projects overseen by the Assistant Secretary-General for Security Affairs, including the adoption of the Gulf Strategy to Combat Cybercrime and AI-Related Crimes.

The meeting also approved two initiatives presented by Field Marshal Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, which contribute to enhancing joint Gulf security.