Manama:General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif Al Saud, the Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia, co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Security Coordination Committee under the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council. The meeting was conducted via video conference.
According to Bahrain News Agency, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah expressed his desire to host the meeting in Bahrain but understood the exceptional security circumstances that prevented it. He affirmed Bahrain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia under King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and reiterated support for Saudi measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and stability.
The Bahraini Interior Minister condemned the terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport, which resulted in casualties. He extended condolences to Saudi Arabia and the victims' families, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The meeting aimed to enhance security cooperation, with hopes to advance initiatives within the framework of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, chaired by Crown Princes Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain. The focus was on strengthening cooperation to maintain security and stability, addressing emerging challenges, and advancing security initiatives for further integration.
General Shaikh Rashid praised the professionalism of security working groups from both countries and recognized the progress made since the committee's inception. HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif highlighted the strong historical relations between the two nations and affirmed the meeting's role in enhancing bilateral security cooperation.
The committee discussed security matters, building on completed initiatives such as cybersecurity cooperation and streamlined passenger procedures at the King Fahd Causeway. Agreements were made to advance border security and combat drug trafficking. Mechanisms were established for implementing future initiatives, with working teams tasked to report achievements over the past four years.
The meeting concluded with both Interior Ministers signing the minutes and commending the outcomes. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening security cooperation and coordination between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.