UNIPATH STAFF
Security forces from the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries participated in a monthlong joint security exercise named Arabian Gulf Security 1. By simulating security threats from extremist organizations — running the gamut from invasion to disruptions caused by underground terrorist cells — GCC countries aimed to coordinate their approach to regional security.
The partnership shows that “the six GCC states support each other against any threat,” Bahrain Interior Minister Lt. Gen. Rashid Al Khalifa said in November 2016. Given the dangers the GCC faces from terrorist organizations, nations must face crises together, the general said. The GCC strategy will focus on joint security cooperation between GCC interior ministries.
“Security is our national responsibility at all times, but the current regional challenges and threats force us to review our position and study the cooperative potential of our countries,” Lt. Gen. Al Khalifa said. “From this, we have forged an advanced plan of cooperation and coordination based on the unified goals our brotherly countries support.”
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain applauded the joint exercises, which ran from October through November 2016. The exercise represents a turning point in coordination and cooperation among GCC countries, he stressed, and conveys a message of determination to safeguard GCC countries and support stability.
GCC leaders attended the exercise to demonstrate their support. Qatar’s prime minister and minister of the interior met with their Bahraini counterparts to discuss an enhanced partnership.
His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, deputy prime minister and minister of the interior of the United Arab Emirates, emphasized the importance of sharing responsibility for security in the GCC.
“A threat against one will be considered a threat against all,” he said in a statement. “We will protect our common security in the Gulf region in actions, not in words. … Our security is indivisible, and so is our destiny.”
Sources: BBC, Asharq al-Awsat, Gulf Times, The National