Saudi, Bahraini Interior Ministers Announce Formation of High Security Committee

Saudi and Bahraini Interior Ministers during an official session of talks. BNA
Saudi and Bahraini Interior Ministers during an official session of talks. BNA
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Saudi, Bahraini Interior Ministers Announce Formation of High Security Committee

Saudi and Bahraini Interior Ministers during an official session of talks. BNA
Saudi and Bahraini Interior Ministers during an official session of talks. BNA

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud discussed with his Bahraini counterpart Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa means of enhancing joint cooperation between security agencies in the two countries.

This came within the official talks held by the interior ministers of the two countries in the headquarters of the Bahraini interior ministry on Tuesday.

The two ministers announced the formation of a joint high-security committee between the two countries, headed by the Deputy Minister of Interior from the Bahraini side and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior from the Saudi side. It aims at discussing security issues to be agreed upon.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud watched at the Bahraini Interior Ministry a military parade and toured the police museum.

Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah also gave a speech in which he lauded Saudi Arabia's stances supporting security in Bahrain, hailing the security cooperation that achieves the joint interests of the two countries.

The meeting was attended by the official delegation accompanying the Saudi Minister of the Interior and a number of senior officials of the ministries of interior of the two countries.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.