General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Interior, and His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif Al Saud, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Security Coordination Committee under the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, held via video conference.

The Bahraini Minister said that he had hoped to host the meeting in the Kingdom of Bahrain, but expressed understanding of the exceptional security circumstances that had prevented this. He reiterated Bahrain’s full support for the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its sovereignty, security and stability, and to defend its territory and civilian and vital facilities, reflecting the shared destiny, deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries.

He further reaffirmed Bahrain’s strong condemnation of the attacks carried out by the Houthis against Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport on Wednesday, resulting in deaths and injuries among innocent civilians. The minister extended condolences to Saudi Arabia and the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah expressed hope that the fifth meeting of the Security Committee of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council would contribute to advancing security cooperation and coordination between the two countries within the framework of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.

The Interior Minister expressed hope that the meeting would further strengthen cooperation and serve the shared interests of both countries in maintaining security and stability, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The Minister commended the role of bilateral security coordination in addressing emerging challenges amid exceptional regional developments and emphasised the importance of advancing further security initiatives to achieve greater integration between the two countries.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the security working groups from both countries for their professionalism and dedicated efforts. The minister commended the security initiatives completed since the committee began its work and the advanced progress achieved on initiatives currently being implemented.

For his part, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif commended the distinguished historical relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. He affirmed that the meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral security cooperation and coordination in areas of joint security work.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud highlighted the efforts of the working groups from both countries to implement agreed initiatives and accelerate their completion. His Royal Highness wished Bahrain and its people continued security and stability.

The committee discussed important security matters and means to build on completed initiatives to improve performance in addressing security challenges and rapidly evolving regional and international developments.

Completed initiatives included enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity. Other initiatives had reached advanced stages of implementation, including the introduction of a one-stop system in each country to streamline passenger procedures at the King Fahd Causeway. The two sides agreed to launch the second phase and work towards completing the third phase to further streamline travel procedures.

The initiatives also cover strengthening cooperation in border security and combating drug trafficking.

The Committee discussed mechanisms for implementing initiatives aimed at further strengthening security cooperation and coordination. Working teams were tasked with preparing a report on achievements over the past four years since the committee's establishment and submitting it to the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the results and achievements of their security cooperation and emphasised the importance of continuing joint efforts to safeguard the security and stability of both countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two Interior Ministers signed the minutes of the fifth Security Coordination Committee meeting. (BNA; Photo © SPA)