Bahrain, Israel Discuss Security Cooperation

The flags of Israel and Bahrain flutter along a road in Netanya, Israel September 14, 2020. (Reuters)
The flags of Israel and Bahrain flutter along a road in Netanya, Israel September 14, 2020. (Reuters)
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Bahrain, Israel Discuss Security Cooperation

The flags of Israel and Bahrain flutter along a road in Netanya, Israel September 14, 2020. (Reuters)
The flags of Israel and Bahrain flutter along a road in Netanya, Israel September 14, 2020. (Reuters)

Bahraini Interior Minister General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa held talks on Wednesday with Israeli Public Security Minister, Omer Barlev, the state-run Bahraini News Agency said.

In a phone call, both sides reviewed security cooperation and exchange of expertise to serve common interests.

They also discussed efforts to promote joint work and bolster bilateral ties.

“Both sides asserted that promoting relations comes as part of the peace declaration and the principles of Abraham Accords to reinforce security and stability and meet the aspirations of regional nations towards peace,” BNA said.

Sheikh Rashid highlighted that Bahrain continues to support coexistence, peace and openness, in line with the vision of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

On September 15, 2020, Bahrain officially normalized relations with Israel at a signing ceremony at the White House, brokered by then US President Donald Trump.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdellatif al-Zayani then visited Israel on November 18, 2020, marking the Gulf kingdom’s first diplomatic visit since it agreed to recognize the Jewish state.

Al-Zayani had called the visit "a strategic start to enhancing joint cooperation" between the countries.

Last year, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid opened his country's embassy in Bahrain.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening security coordination and cooperation among Gulf nations.
Speaking at the 41st GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s prosperity and ensuring a brighter future.
The meeting, chaired by Qatar’s Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, focused on enhancing joint security efforts and addressing key issues on the agenda.
Prince Abdulaziz warned of rising security challenges, including cybercrime, drug trafficking, and cross-border organized crime, during the GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar.
He noted that advanced technologies are making it easier for criminal networks to smuggle weapons and fuel terrorism and extremism, especially in unstable regions.
The minister called for stronger collaboration, better strategies, and capacity-building to tackle these threats.
He also said that the GCC interior ministers’ meeting strengthens joint security efforts to tackle new challenges, supporting regional stability and development.
In a post on X, Prince Abdulaziz affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to boosting communication, coordination, and integration among Gulf nations, particularly in security, to protect progress and ensure a brighter future.