JEDDAH: The chief of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) said on Saturday that despite threats against the states, they could counter them because of their ability to achieve military integration and linkage at all levels.

Abdulatif Al-Zayani told a local publication that the GCC had the military might to stand up to any aggression and that it had maintained its regional status since its establishment in 1981.

The council works hard to achieve its goals which are to strengthen links and integration between its states in political, defense, social and economic fields. It also supports friends and deals with Arab and Muslim issues which contribute to the achievement of regional stability and security, in addition to supporting efforts by the international community to deal with global issues that affect international peace and security.

He added that despite the huge challenges the GCC and the presence of conflicts around the region, the council acted wisely thanks to the determination of its people and their loyalty and that the area had witnessed peace and stability and maintained its political, economic and security abilities and enhanced its status both regionally and globally.

He confirmed that the GCC had proved itself during the past few years through its achievements and contributions to global issues. The GCC dealt successfully with all difficult circumstances and global crises and turned them into growth and development opportunities.

He said the GCC countries faced many threats including terrorism and extremism which committed many moral and humanitarian crimes that violate all international laws and regulations. He also mentioned Iranian intervention in the internal affairs of some GCC countries and Iran’s continued support of terrorist cells.

GCC countries also face the danger of organized crime through the smuggling of drugs, money laundering and electronic crimes. He pointed out that the GCC has stood up to these threats in order to maintain its peace and security and the safety of its citizens.

The GCC countries work according to a comprehensive security concept which fights threats in an effective manner. It has developed mechanisms that are implemented by specialized security bodies and comprehensive security coordination between member countries.

He said the GCC countries provided their armed forces with state of the art weapons and trained members to face any threats against them. The GCC strives to achieve military linkage on all levels and gives great importance to strengthen its joint forces. The council has established a regional center for marine coordination and has also set up a missile defense system.