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General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, headed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation to the 43rd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, held via videoconference amid complex regional circumstances and ongoing Iranian attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, in violation of international conventions and humanitarian norms.
On this occasion, the Interior Minister delivered Bahrain’s address, expressing appreciation to Shaikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Kuwait and Chair of the previous session, for his constructive efforts in advancing security cooperation among member states. He also thanked Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Koman, Secretary-General of the Council, and the General Secretariat for their organisation and follow-up of the meeting.
He noted that the session convened at a time when GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan are subjected to unjustified Iranian attacks involving missiles and armed drones, constituting a violation of national sovereignty and stability, and a breach of international and humanitarian norms.
The Minister affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain remains resolute in defending its sovereignty and protecting its citizens and residents, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. He underscored that national unity around HM the King represents the cornerstone of cohesion and a source of stability, commending the decisive and integrated measures undertaken by the Government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in addressing the repercussions of the Iranian aggression.
He highlighted that, since the onset of the attacks on February 28, Bahrain Defence Force air defence systems have effectively intercepted missiles and drones, while the Ministry of Interior activated crisis management plans and transitioned swiftly from routine procedures to the immediate implementation of approved emergency responses. These efforts addressed the consequences of the attacks, which resulted in casualties among citizens and residents, caused public alarm, and targeted critical infrastructure and civilian facilities, including airports, residential areas, and energy, water, electricity, and key economic installations. He reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to restraint and its position of not being drawn into a war to which it is not a party.
The Minister added that the Ministry’s efforts have focused on safeguarding lives and property, with Civil Defence and National Ambulance teams operating around the clock to respond to the situation. The Civil Defence Council has also enhanced protective measures, while the Ministry strengthened communication with all segments of society, providing reassurance to citizens and residents of various nationalities through multilingual security awareness initiatives, in support of maintaining national cohesion.
Addressing the Council, the Minister emphasised that the current developments present a key challenge requiring enhanced cooperation and coordination to reinforce internal fronts and strengthen joint security measures. He stressed the importance of continuing to develop mechanisms of collaboration to reflect unity of purpose and shared destiny.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to fellow Interior Ministers who conveyed their solidarity with Bahrain, wishing the Council’s session success in achieving outcomes that support security and stability.
The meeting’s agenda included a number of topics related to security cooperation within the framework of joint Arab action, as well as recommendations issued by meetings held under the General Secretariat and outcomes of joint engagements with Arab and international bodies. Key items included the Secretary-General’s report on the Secretariat’s activities between the previous and current sessions, and a draft second phase plan of the updated Arab counter-terrorism strategy. A preparatory meeting of Undersecretaries of Interior Ministries had been held ahead of the session.
At the conclusion of the 43rd session, the Council issued a statement condemning the Iranian aggression against Arab states, as violations of sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter, and a threat to international peace and security. The Council also condemned the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and facilities, which endangers lives and has resulted in civilian casualties, in breach of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness.
The Council further denounced repeated Iranian provocations and practices aimed at destabilising security and stability in several Arab countries and undermining peaceful coexistence within their societies. It affirmed its full solidarity with Arab states in confronting ongoing attacks and its support for measures taken to safeguard their security, stability, territorial integrity, and the safety of citizens and residents, as well as the protection of national institutions and facilities, and their legitimate right to self-defence.
The Council reiterated its rejection of Iran’s continued financing, arming, and mobilisation of affiliated militias in several Arab countries, describing such actions as a serious threat to regional security and stability. It also commended the professionalism and bravery of armed forces, security agencies, and civil defence units across Arab states in responding to these attacks, recognising their sacrifices in maintaining security, stability, and the protection of lives and property.
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