Doha, November 27, 2024 — In a significant display of Saudi Arabia's commitment to regional security, Deputy Defense Minister Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf led the Kingdom's delegation at the 21st session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Defense Council in Doha today. This important meeting was held on behalf of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia.
The session, which gathered defense ministers from all six GCC member states, alongside GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, focused on strengthening military and defense cooperation among the member nations. With shared security concerns at the forefront, the meeting provided an opportunity for the region's leaders to engage in high-level discussions aimed at enhancing the collective defense capabilities of the Gulf states.
During the session, officials addressed a range of strategic defense issues, including regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and the evolving security challenges posed by external actors. The discussions emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified defense stance and fostering closer collaboration to safeguard the interests of the Gulf region. The GCC countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together to confront common threats and protect the security and sovereignty of the Gulf states.
The council approved several key resolutions and recommendations aimed at reinforcing the collective defense architecture of the GCC. These included measures to enhance military readiness, improve joint training exercises, and expand intelligence-sharing initiatives. The resolutions also focused on strengthening the defense industry within the GCC and promoting further integration of defense capabilities to ensure the region is well-prepared to address any emerging threats.
Prince Abdulrahman, in his remarks, reiterated Saudi Arabia's strong commitment to regional cooperation and the Kingdom’s support for initiatives that enhance the security and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council. He underscored the importance of continued collaboration between GCC members in response to the increasingly complex security environment in the Middle East.
The meeting in Doha highlighted the GCC’s ongoing efforts to bolster defense ties and coordinate regional security policies. As the Gulf states face new challenges in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the Joint Defense Council remains a crucial forum for advancing common defense goals, ensuring peace, and maintaining security throughout the Gulf region.
