Defence ministers of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries approved the opening of an advanced headquarters for the Unified Military Command in Kuwait and the allocation of appropriate forces to it, as part of the decisions taken at the 23rd session of the GCC Joint Defence Council on Tuesday in Manama.
The meeting was chaired by Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan al-Nuaimi, Bahrain’s Minister of Defence Affairs and current session chairman, in the presence of defence ministers from GCC member states, Al Arabiya English reported.
GCC Secretary General Jasem al-Budaiwi affirmed that joint military action receives the utmost attention, care and support from the leaders of GCC countries, reflecting their belief in the strong bonds uniting member states and their recognition of the responsibility of their armed forces to safeguard their security and stability, preserve their safety and independence, and further develop and strengthen their capabilities to meet the hopes and aspirations placed upon them.
He also addressed the rapid developments taking place in the region, citing what he described as “heinous Iranian attacks” and praised the level of military cooperation and coordination among GCC countries in confronting these developments and their repercussions, saying this demonstrated Gulf solidarity and integration in carrying out their duties.
Al-Budaiwi added that this co-operation reaffirmed that the security of GCC countries was a shared Gulf responsibility, and that pooling their military efforts strengthened their ability to protect their territories and resources and safeguard the security of their citizens and residents.
He also strongly condemned the Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries, which have caused damage to numerous civilian facilities and infrastructure.
“We strongly condemn and denounce the treacherous attacks by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia and its targeting of holy sites, in a flagrant violation of their sanctity and standing among Muslims, and a blatant assault on the Kingdom’s security and sovereignty,” he said.
He added that “GCC countries stand united alongside the Kingdom, expressing their full solidarity with it and supporting all measures it takes to protect its security, stability, territorial integrity and holy sites,” stressing that this stems from “the unity of Gulf destiny and the firm position that the security of the Kingdom is an integral part of the security of all GCC member states.”
