The 41st meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Interior Ministers convened Wednesday in Doha, chaired by Qatari Minister of Interior and Chairman of the current session Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The Interior Ministers of all six GCC member states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman) attended the meeting, each accompanied with a delegation of high-ranking Ministry officials.
The meeting addressed security topics aimed at strengthening GCC cooperation. The Ministers reviewed recommendations from specialised security committees and discussed key initiatives and developmental projects, including the unified Gulf strategy to combat drugs, the GCC child protection strategy, the Gulf strategy to combat money laundering, the traffic systems and violations integration project, the GCC visa platform, and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to enhance capacity building.
In his speech, the Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz emphasized the increasing challenges faced by security services, including the rise of emerging crime patterns linked to technology misuse, advancements in drug smuggling and trafficking methods, and the proliferation of cross-border organized crime.
He highlighted the smuggling and manufacture of weapons using advanced technologies now easily accessible to criminal organizations, which exacerbate crime, terrorism, and extremism, particularly in regions experiencing instability, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The Saudi Minister further underscored the importance of joint efforts to develop strategies and enhance capabilities to address these challenges. He noted that the meeting’s outcomes would strengthen Gulf security cooperation, align with the GCC leaders’ directives, and fulfill the aspirations of their people. Such efforts, he said, aim to bolster regional security, stability, and prosperity.
For his part, Kuwait’s Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah called for intensifying coordination among Gulf countries in the face of what he described as “unprecedented” regional and international developments.
Sheikh Fahad, who is also Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, said Gulf security agencies should unite efforts to tackle common security threats, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.
“This includes tackling terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and enhancing information-sharing mechanisms to bolster regional stability and safeguard the region’s achievements,” he said.
He added that he hoped the meeting’s discussions would yield meaningful recommendations that promote joint security cooperation and foster the spirit of brotherhood and integration among GCC countries, thus contributing to the security, stability, and prosperity of the region.
For his part, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior of Bahrain, expressed appreciation to Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Interior of Qatar and Chair of the meeting, for the warm hospitality.
He also welcomed Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior of Kuwait, and extended congratulations to Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior of Oman, on Oman’s National Day, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah expressed thanks to Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the Secretariat’s efforts in organising preparatory meetings throughout the year to ensure the success of the Ministerial meeting.
The Bahraini Minister noted that the past year’s escalation in the Middle East and the resulting challenges have underscored important lessons for internal security. He stressed the need to review potential challenges and prepare proactively to address emerging threats and uncertainties. He concluded by wishing the meeting success in strengthening joint GCC security cooperation. (SPA; KUNA; BNA; Photo © SPA)
