RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Interior Ministers on Wednesday called for enhanced coordination among member states’ security agencies to counter emerging threats and safeguard regional stability.
The GCC ministers convened an emergency ministerial meeting on Wednesday in Riyadh, chaired by Bahrain, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said a range of issues were discussed during the meeting, with particular focus on the regional security situation amid ongoing developments, and on ways to strengthen joint GCC security coordination to address challenges arising from attacks targeting member states.
He reaffirmed that the security of GCC countries is indivisible.
He added that the ministers expressed sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed in aggressive operations against GCC states, praying for mercy for the deceased and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
The Secretary-General also noted that the ministers commended the significant efforts of security agencies across GCC countries in uncovering and apprehending the cells involved, saying these achievements reflect the efficiency, vigilance and high level of readiness of GCC security authorities in safeguarding stability and countering threats to their societies.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif led the kingdom’s delegation at the meeting.
The meeting comes at a time when Middle Eastern countries are intensifying diplomatic engagement to address a range of regional challenges, including ongoing conflicts, humanitarian concerns, and efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation.
On the other hand, the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial global energy shipping route linking Gulf oil producers to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea — has remained largely shut down.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump said he believed Iran would eventually “surrender” and reiterated that Tehran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Earlier today, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held a phone conversation and discussed ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.
During the call, they also discussed areas of bilateral cooperation, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.
