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GCC Sec-Gen Underscores Importance of Boosting GCC-European Security Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
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GCC Sec-Gen Underscores Importance of Boosting GCC-European Security Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi pointed out that the high-level participation from both the GCC and European representatives at the first meeting of the Gulf-European criminal investigations general directors underscores the importance both sides place on strengthening security cooperation and their commitment to enhancing their security systems and exchanging expertise.
Speaking at the meeting, Albudaiwi said that this meeting implements the decisions of the GCC ministers of interior, which call for intensifying the GCC's collaboration with regional and international groups and organizations to enhance the GCC security ecosystem. He also expressed hope that the meeting would lead to the development of joint initiatives and projects aimed at combating crime and reducing its impact in both the Gulf region and Europe, SPA reported.
He emphasized the key points outlined in the joint closing statement of the first GCC-European summit, held in Brussels on October 16, 2024, under the theme "Strategic partnership for peace and prosperity." The summit highlighted the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and the GCC, reinforcing their growing political ties, and collaborating to tackle challenges that threaten regional and global peace, security, and stability.
Albudaiwi also highlighted several joint achievements between the GCC and European sides, including the launch of the regional security dialogue, the establishment of the high-level ministerial forum, and the signing of a letter of intent. He emphasized the focus on developing joint action plans for 2025-2027. Key areas of cooperation include enhancing information exchange mechanisms, designing strategies to combat transnational organized crime, and building capacities through joint training programs.

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Gulf

Qatar Says Iran Must Halt Attacks before Any Talks

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
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Qatar Says Iran Must Halt Attacks before Any Talks

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari stressed on Tuesday that Iran needed to halt its attacks before any talks can be held.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, he said Qatar is being attacked daily by Iran, “so we cannot speak of any talks with it before it ceases its assaults.”

Contacts are ongoing with all parties to ensure an end to the conflict, he added, while accusing Iran of attacking civilian infrastructure in Qatar.

Moreover, he described as a “dangerous precedent” Iran’s attacks on energy facilities, saying they will cause economic losses in the region and have global consequences.

“The best solution lies in ending attacks on our energy facilities,” al-Ansari said in response to whether escorting ships in the Hormuz Strait was a viable option.

He revealed that since the eruption of the war, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had held only one telephone call with Iran’s foreign minister.

However, channels of contact with Tehran have not been completely severed, al-Ansari said. Doha is now focusing on de-escalation and ending the attacks.

Furthermore, he hoped that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s apology to Gulf countries over the attacks would have actually meant that they would end.

Instead, the attacks continued, rendering the apology meaningless, al-Ansari stressed.

“Any attack on Qatar will be handled in the appropriate manner,” he went on to say. “Confronting the Iranian aggression has become a priority given its impact on Qatar’s and the global economy.”

Al-Ansari said the armed forces have succeeded in defending the nation and repelling rocket and drone attacks that have targeted vital and civilian installations.

Qatar still believes in diplomacy and welcomes any role that can end the war, he continued. “Attacks against Qatar and its people are unacceptable. Leaders are working tirelessly to stop the assaults.”

Earlier, the Defense Ministry said the armed forces repelled a rocket attack.

On Monday, Doha confronted 17 ballistic missile and six drone attacks.

Gulf

King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
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King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) on Monday to review operational readiness and capabilities.

He inspected combat aircraft operated by the Bahrain Defense Force, which are among the most advanced of their kind in the world, reported the kingdom’s state news agency BNA.

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen, commending their combat readiness and high level of skill as they stand united in joint operations with their counterparts in air defense and various units of the Bahrain Defense Force in carrying out their national duty to defend the kingdom, safeguard the security of its citizens, and protect its development process.

Bahrain will remain steadfast in its approach grounded in wisdom, moderation, and the promotion of peace and cooperation, continuing with confidence to fulfill its national and humanitarian responsibilities while strengthening its relations with its Arab, regional, and international partners in ways that support the security and stability of the region, he stressed.

He also praised the professionalism, discipline, and strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by Bahrain Defense Force servicemen across their various posts, emphasizing that the Bahrain Defense Force will remain committed to its role in safeguarding security, stability, and development of the kingdom.

Gulf

Kuwaiti Emir Condemns 'Brutal Iran Attack’, Affirms Right to Self-Defense

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
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Kuwaiti Emir Condemns 'Brutal Iran Attack’, Affirms Right to Self-Defense

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on Monday his country, where 12 people were killed, has been subjected to a brutal attack by Iran, despite not allowing the use of its land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against the Iranian Republic.

On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched a surprise strike against Iran, which responded by firing ballistic missiles on lands and facilities in Gulf countries and Jordan.

In a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad stressed Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense in response to Iran’s blatant aggression.

“Our country has been subjected to a brutal attack by a neighboring Muslim country, which we consider a friend, even though we have not permitted the use of our land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against it, and we have repeatedly informed them of this through our diplomatic channels,” he said.

The Emir insisted on Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, in response to this blatant aggression, in a manner proportionate to the scale and nature of the attack and in accordance with international law, including taking all necessary measures to protect its territory, its people, and residents while preserving its sovereignty, security, and stability.

Addressing Kuwaiti nationals, he said, “I address you tonight... during a period in which the region is witnessing rapid developments, increasing tensions, and an unprecedented escalation.”

He said that awareness of current developments is no longer a choice but a national necessity that allows for the accurate interpretation of developments, understanding potential political and security challenges, and dealing with them rationally and responsibly, without neither exaggeration nor underestimation.

The Emir praised the Kuwaiti Armed Forces who managed to intercept hundreds of drones and missiles and said he ordered authorities to enhance precautionary measures and safeguard critical sites to ensure a rapid response to any emergency and maintain public stability.

“The military, security and civilian institutions are operating with high readiness and coordination to ensure the safety of citizens under all circumstances,” he said.

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said attacks targeting Kuwait’s airspace, territory, civilian facilities and infrastructure constitute a blatant violation of international norms and conventions and a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty, security and stability.

He said Kuwait’s sovereignty is a red line protected by the will of its people and the courage of its men and women, adding that the country will not allow any state to threaten its security or stability.

He also called on the international community to take responsibility in condemning the aggression and ensuring respect for international law.

The Emir said the attacks targeting neighboring states are attacks on the security of the entire region and a direct threat to its stability and peace.

He stressed that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states is indivisible and that any violation of one member state’s sovereignty is a threat to the collective security of all.

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad reaffirmed Kuwait’s solidarity with its neighbors and support for all measures taken to protect the sovereignty, security and stability of the region.

The Crown Prince also expressed gratitude to the leaders of sisterly and friendly countries for their messages condemning the Iranian aggression against Kuwait.

“These communications showed strong solidarity and support for Kuwait in defending its sovereignty and security and reflected the close ties of friendship and unity in facing threats to regional stability and the safety of its people,” Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said.