Interior Minister attends GCC meeting

Doha, Apr.29 (BNA) The Amir of Qatar Shaikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani has today received received at the Amiri Court the GCC Interior Ministers on the occasion of their 16th consultative meeting. The ministers expressed their thanks and appreciation for the sincere efforts of Amir of Qatar, incumbent president of the current session to support the GCC march. Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa led Bahrain’s delegation to the GCC meeting. He delivered a speech, in which he congratulated His Royal Highess Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on his appointment as Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Interior Minister. Here the full text of the speech: "I’m glad brothers that we are gathered here for the 16th consultative meeting in Qatar. I greet you all and express my thanks and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for the hospitality and the organisation of the session. "I would like also to express thanks to the GCC Secretary-General and General-Secretariat staff for their cooperation with the interior ministries and the implementation of decisions and recommendations taken in our previous meetings". "I would like also to take this opportunity to congratulate His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud for his appointment as Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Interior. "I would like to start by hailing the Decisive Storm operation, which is a legitimate operation, backed by Arabs and supported by the international community. The goals, planning and implementation of the operation in addition to the support and commitment of the GCC countries to ensure the success of the operation. " The operation symbolizes Gulf and Arab commitment and unity. The land of the Two Holy Mosques isn’t a land for dispute for Arabs and Muslims for it is Al-Qibla (direction) that unifies our feelings. I’m honoured to congratulate the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and the CC leaders for their leadership, political, military and security success. "We hope this operation restores the legitimacy in Yemen for people to live in security, stability and prosperity. With so many changes in this region, and in foreseeing the political approach for the future of the GCC countries, it makes cooperation and integration our top priorities that must become a concrete reality. "We are here at this distinguished meeting due to a need for political unity and cooperation between out militaries and between our security forces. Today, the roadmap for Gulf security depends on cooperation. Therefore, we must double our efforts through direct communication to ensure that we are prepared to deal with all possible security challenges. This communication must be sustainable between all bodies over time". "What the region is facing today, including the local, regional and international issues and conflicts increases the risk to the GCC because Gulf countries have adopted an open policy with their neighbours and are committed to respecting the internal affairs of other countries. In return, there has been interference in the internal affairs of our countries for expansionist goals. It was an expected matter for the day to come to close door on the Persian interference in Arab countries. "Those who wanted disunity between the Arab countries are witnessing the opposite, and they will witness by the grace of God further Arab alliances to enable our states to face any of challenges. "As part of the security cooperation reinforcement and activation of our security agreement, I back the proposal of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Naif to hold a joint security exercise similar to "Nation Exercise 85" for all security authorities and sectors of GCC Interior Ministries". The ministers discussed joint security issues and the cooperation between security officials to protect order and stability in the GCC countries. They decided upon the work mechanisms of the GCC counter terrorism committee and directed the relevant officials to conduct a study aimed at preventing Gulf nationals from joining terrorist groups. The ministers called for more monitoring of Houthis in the GCC countries as part of the joint agreements which were signed. They also began organizing a joint security exercise for GCC security forces. They also ordered the completion of a study on security issues. GCC Secretary-General Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani said that the ministers expressed their pleasure over the return of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, wishing him abundant health. They congratulated HRH Prince Mohammed bin Naif of the Royal trust of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud for appointing him as the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister. The Ministers voiced the unified stance of GCC countries in the rejection of terrorism and the importance of fighting extremism and the eradication of sources of terrorism financing. They affirmed that terrorist ideologies are against Islamic values that call on tolerance, harmony, compassion, and love. They hailed the successful efforts of Saudi security authorities that led to the arrest of terrorist cells linked to Daesh, as well as Bahrain’s security forces for arresting suspects participating in terrorist groups. They affirmed the determination of Gulf countries to fight terrorism and extremism and applauded the close cooperation between the interior ministries to promote stability in the region during this sensitive time. The Ministers expressed their appreciation for the joint security cooperation and the positive results that promote Gulf security. They also voiced their support for the efforts of the specialized Gulf security authorities to provide security and stability to Gulf nationals and residents. They also discussed the importance of vigilance in the region to be prepared for any threat. The delegation of the Interior Ministry included the Ambassador of Bahrain to Qatar, Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry and senior officers.