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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Dhahran - Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Minister: We Will Confront Anything that Threatens Gulf States' Security

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef during the Arab Gulf Security 3" exercise (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, said that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is indivisible, stressing that "we all stand united in the face of anything that threatens the security and stability of the Arab Gulf states."

The Minister was speaking at the conclusion of the "Arab Gulf Security 3" joint tactical exercise of the GCC, hosted by the Interior Ministry's Security Forces Training Institute in Abqaiq.

"We reject by all means anything that compromises our security, tampers with our assets, or undermines the safety of individuals and facilities. Our message, which we all agree on, is that the security of the GCC states is inseparable, and by action that precedes words, the determination of the men is proven,” the Minister said.

He conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense to the GCC Interior Ministers.

Prince Abdulaziz reiterated that the GCC countries, guided by the vision of their ambitious leaders, witness a comprehensive development renaissance in all fields, citing security as one of the critical elements for achieving development and protecting lives and property.

"Through this joint exercise, we confirm the main objective set by the directives of their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states to permanently improve security coordination and cooperation between our security forces and unify efforts to raise readiness,” he stated.

Prince Abdulaziz noted that the exercise comes after a successful confrontation of the coronavirus pandemic, during which the GCC security services, in partnership with the competent authorities, were able to implement health precautions to protect citizens and residents.

"We have come out of this experience with lessons that will, God willing, contribute to enriching experiences and enhancing skills,” said the Prince.

At the end of his speech, Prince Abdulaziz thanked the GCC leaders for their unlimited support and helpful guidance, expressing his appreciation to the GCC field commanders and participants in the exercise.

The event was attended by UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lieutenant-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Bahrain's Minister of Interior Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Oman's Minister of Interior Hamoud al-Busaidi, GCC Sec-Gen, Nayef al-Hajraf, and the heads of delegations of GCC member states.

The attendees watched a video that highlighted the efforts of the GCC security services in confronting the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also reviewed hypotheses of dealing with the cyber-attack and responding to an attack on an economic facility, booby-trapped boats attack, and armed robbery.

Following the ceremony, the handover of the flag of the joint tactical exercise of the GCC security services, "Arab Gulf Security 4", was passed to Qatar.

Prince Abdulaziz also honored the winners of the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Prize for Security Research.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor of Eastern Region Prince Ahmad bin Fahd bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Vice Minister of Interior Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud, and several senior officials at the GCC Interior Ministries.

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