Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has highlighted the importance of joint GCC work to reinforce civil protection and ensure regional security.
He was speaking as he yesterday chaired the 38th meeting of the GCC’s Interior Ministers in Bahrain.
“I assert the importance of reviewing and reinforcing civil protection procedures through exchanging expertise and learning about scientific experiences to achieve the highest level of protection and general safety,” he said in his keynote address.
He condemned the frequent terrorist attacks against Saudi Arabia and asserted Bahrain’s support for all security procedures Riyadh takes to protect its security, stability and the safety of its people and lands.
He praised the efforts of the GCC Police Authority that is being developed with the support of the UAE.
Shaikh Rashid congratulated the UAE for hosting Dubai Expo 2020, being held for the first time in the Middle East.
“The exhibition reflects a partnership towards a better future for humanity,” he said.
He highlighted Bahrain’s achievements under the royal vision of His Majesty King Hamad.
The milestones were also accomplished as part of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The achievements include the alternative penalties programme, reformation centres and the open prison as a national and humanitarian project to improve the criminal justice system and continue efforts to promote human rights.
The meeting reviewed various security topics that promote co-operation and co-ordination to enhance performance and face challenges and rapid regional and international changes.
The interior ministers praised the support provided by GCC leaders for joint security work to protect regional security, stability and accomplishments.
They asserted their support for Saudi Arabia and its security procedures.
GCC Secretary General Dr Nayef Al Hajraf said the officials welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding for technical co-operation in fighting cybercrimes between Bahrain and the UAE on the sidelines of the meeting.
He commended Bahrain’s alternative penalties programme and its reformation centres and open prisons initiatives.
The ministers hailed the kingdom’s proposal to review and reinforce civil protection procedures through the exchange of expertise and scientific experiences.
They stressed the importance of joint work to protect security and face challenges, affirming the need to reinforce co-operation in cyber security and develop a joint project to fight crime.
The GCC secretary general said the ministers asserted the importance of intensifying joint efforts to protect the community from drug addiction by tackling the issue and promoting rehabilitation programmes.
The meeting reviewed co-ordination between authorities to face organised crime. He said the meeting also reviewed preparations for the joint exercise ‘Arabian Gulf Security 3’ to be held in Saudi Arabia in January next year.
The ministers also decided to promote joint efforts to fight terrorism.
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