Manama:General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, chaired the 43rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministers of Interior held in Bahrain. The meeting was part of Bahrain's presidency of the 46th Session of the GCC Supreme Council and included participation from the GCC Secretary General.
According to Bahrain News Agency, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla stressed the importance of enhancing joint Gulf security measures amidst increasing regional tensions and significant security challenges. He praised the leadership approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government's efforts, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to maintain security and stability through a comprehensive crisis management system.
General Shaikh Rashid expressed gratitude for the support from GCC leaders for collaborative security efforts. He reaffirmed Bahrain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia in defending its sovereignty and security against Houthi militia attacks, emphasizing the interconnected security of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the broader GCC region.
He highlighted modern security challenges, including border security, supply chain protection, and cybersecurity, advocating for stronger joint Gulf capabilities and proactive information exchange. He noted the significance of the GCC's real-time security information exchange system in threat anticipation and response coordination.
Further, General Shaikh Rashid proposed two initiatives to the GCC Secretary General to enhance Gulf security preparedness a document on security lessons from regional crises and a committee of experts to analyze future threats. He also praised the GCC civil protection agencies' responses to Iranian attacks and emphasized the need for robust emergency response plans.
The meeting also addressed civil protection priorities, the importance of the GCC Emergency Management Centre, and the need for comprehensive integration and threat anticipation in future Gulf security cooperation. The ministers discussed preparations for a joint GCC security exercise in Kuwait in 2027 and reviewed projects by the GCC Assistant Secretariat for Security Affairs. The meeting concluded with the approval of the Gulf Strategy for Combating Cybercrime and Artificial Intelligence Crimes and the security initiatives proposed by General Shaikh Rashid.