MANAMA, 6 June — GCC interior ministers met here yesterday and decided to strengthen cooperation and coordination among their security agencies to protect their citizens from criminal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorism.
In a press statement, the ministers of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates said they met to exchange views on security matters to strengthen cooperation among the six Gulf states.
“The ministers discussed matters related to joint security, especially in economic and social areas,” the statement said, adding that they welcomed the measures taken to facilitate movement of GCC citizens between the member states.
Interior Minister Prince Naif, who led the Kingdom’s delegation, highlighted the significance of the half-yearly consultative meeting, adding that it had helped discuss a number of major issues concerning the security of GCC citizens. He called on GCC states to work in unison to protect the security and stability of the region.
Earlier opening the meeting, Bahrain’s Sheikh Muhammad ibn Khalifa Al-Khalifa called for more cooperation and coordination among the GCC states to counter the security challenges facing the region. “These meetings will help us formulate the security strategy for the future.”
GCC Secretary-General Jameel Al-Hujeilan said the ministers approved the measures proposed to ensure free flow of goods between member states in order to promote trade.
Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad ibn Isa Al-Khalifa yesterday met with Prince Naif and other GCC interior ministers at his palace in Manama. The meeting was attended by top Bahraini officials.
Speaking to reporters, Prince Naif condemned the anti-Saudi smear campaigns carried out by Canadian and British press for implementing the Shariah. He said every country has the right to implement the rules and regulations that it deems appropriate.
