ABQAIQ — Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif patronized the conclusion of the “Arab Gulf Security 3” joint tactical exercise of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) security services, which was hosted by the Interior Ministry’s Security Forces Training Institute in Abqaiq.

The event was attended by Lt.-Gen. Sheikh Saif Vin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and minister of interior of the UAE, Gen. Sheikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, minister of interior of Bahrain, Sayyid Hamoud Bin Faisal Al Busaidi, minister of interior of Oman, and GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf, and the heads of delegations of GCC member states.

During the ceremony, Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy prime minister and minister of defense, to the GCC Interior Ministers.

Prince Abdulaziz reiterated that the GCC countries, guided by the vision of their ambitious leaders, witness a comprehensive development renaissance in all fields, citing security as one of the key elements for achieving development and protecting lives and property, a role that the security services play with aptitude.

“Through this joint exercise, we confirm the main objective set by the directives of their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states to permanently improve security coordination and cooperation between our security forces and unify efforts to raise readiness,” Prince Abdulaziz said.

Citing the great security efforts exerted to counter the coronavirua pandemic, Prince Abdulaziz said the exercise comes after a successful confrontation with the coronavirus pandemic, during which the security services in the GCC, in partnership with the competent authorities, were able to implement health precautions to protect citizens and residents.

He added, “We have come out of this experience with lessons that will, God willing, contribute to enriching experiences and enhancing skills.”

Prince Abdulaziz continued: “We all stand united in the face of anything that threatens the security and stability of the Arab Gulf states, and we reject by all means anything that compromises our security, tampers with our assets, or undermines the safety of individuals and facilities.

“Our message, which we all agree on, is that the security of the GCC states is inseparable, and by action that precedes words, the determination of the men is proven.”

Prince Abdulaziz concluded his speech, on behalf of the interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states, by thanking the leaders of the GCC states for their unlimited support and generous guidance. He also expressed his appreciation to the GCC field commanders, and participants in the exercise.

Then, the GCC Interior Ministers and attendees watched a video that highlighted the efforts of the GCC security services in confronting the COVID-19 pandemic.

After that, the field hypotheses are held, including the hypotheses of dealing with cyberattack and responding to an attack on an economic facility and an attack with booby-trapped boats, in addition to the hypothesis of armed robbery.

The participating forces reviewed in front of the main podium of the ceremony. Then, a ceremony was held to hand over the flag of the joint tactical exercise of the GCC security services, “Arab Gulf Security 4”, to the State of Qatar.

After that, Prince Abdulaziz honored the winners of the Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Prize for Security Research. At conclusion, commemorative photos were taken.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Ahmad Bin Fahd Bin Salman, deputy governor of Eastern Region; Dr. Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud, vice minister of interior, and a number of senior officials at the GCC interior ministries. — SPA