King: GCC security drill coveys message of resolve, determination

Manama, Oct. 27 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed pride the kingdom's hosting of the first GCC Joint Security Exercise which commenced on Thursday with the participation of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The drill is in line with the resolutions of Their Majesties and Highnesses GCC leaders, and conveys a message of resolve and determination to support stability and peace, as well as safeguard GCC countries against various security challenges, HM King Hamad said. Addressing the participants, HM the King stressed that the joint exercise represents an ambitious turning point in the coordination and cooperation among GCC countries. He expressed thanks to the participants and wished them all the best in achieving the goals of the exercise. HM the King applauded the readiness of GCC security forces and said this exercise reflects Gulf consensus on goals and a unified destiny. HM the King gave the full support of the Kingdom of Bahrain to this security presence and said Bahrain backs the utilization of all capabilities to protect the security of GCC countries. This approach is part of the ongoing work to ensure stability both now and for future generations. His Excellency Interior Minister, the Commander of the exercise "Arabian Gulf Security1", Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa today inaugurated the exercise in the presence of heads of delegations of GCC forces. HE Interior Minister was received by Chief of Public Security and Head of Control Authority of the exercise, members of the Supreme Committee of the exercise and senior officers of the participating forces. After the anthem was preformed, HE Interior Minister inspected the guard of honor, some of the activities of the participating forces and the main preparations to enhance the security performance. A number of police aviation choppers and maritime vessels participated in the performance. After that HE Interior Minister delivered the following speech: I am glad to welcome you all to the Kingdom of Bahrain that hosts this brotherly security meeting that represents our brotherly ties and our determination to protect the security and stability of our nations. I’m honoured to conveye the greetings and best wishes of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. Brothers: We thank God that this training exercise has become a reality through the directives of Their Highnesses and Excellencies GCC Interior Ministers. Today we witness this major security achievement and display of our unified stance. I express thanks and sincere appreciation to all of the GCC leaders for their support, care and blessings for the success of this event. Brothers: security is our national responsibility at all times, but the current regional challenges and threats forces us to review our position and study the cooperative potential of our countries. From this we have forged an advanced plan of cooperation and coordination based on the unified goals our brotherly countries support. Cooperation against the dangers we are facing is our only option. Hence this exercise represents one more step along this path. Our strategy is centered on joint security cooperation between GCC Interior Ministries’ sectors to face crises and emergencies, and to fight terrorism. I would like to thank the Supreme Committee and members of the teams involved in organizing this exercise, including the infrastructure of the exercise site and the support locations. I also express thanks to the Bahrain Defence Force for making available this distinguished location both to conduct the exercise and provide medical, field and technical support. Thank you also to the National Guard for their great contributions to the event. Finally, the Interior Ministry of Bahrain thanks you for your participation. The Ministry is determined to ensure the success of the exercise. I wish you all the best and may God protect our GCC nations and people. After that, the flag of the "Arabian Gulf Security 1" was raised. Then HE Interior Minister inspected the Leadership and Control Room of the exercise, in addition to the backup facilities, including the media and health centers. All of the participating security forces have completed the preparations that are part of the GCC security agreement of Their Highnesses and Excellencies GCC Interior Ministers that were agreed upon during their meeting in Doha in 2015 to achieve integration between security forces and reinforce joint counterterrorism capabilities. The exercise aims to reinforce joint security procedures, enhance readiness of security forces and enhance field coordination. (Bahrain Police Media Centre)