Kuwait City: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Defence Ministers have approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art military command centre in Kuwait as part of efforts to further strengthen the joint defence system in the Gulf region and enhance military cooperation among Member States. It was also decided to appoint special military units to support the operations of the new centre.
The decision was announced following the 23rd meeting of the GCC Joint Defence Council held on Tuesday in Manama under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Defence Minister Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nu'imi. GCC Secretary General Jasim Mohammed Al Budaiwi conveyed this information.
Al Budaiwi explained that this is a critical move to boost the joint military capacity of the Gulf countries and ensure greater coordination in defence operations amid increasing security challenges in the region. He reiterated that the GCC leadership fully supports joint military frameworks aimed at protecting the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Member States.
The Secretary-General highlighted that the armed forces of the six Member States bear the common responsibility of maintaining regional stability and ensuring national security. He pointed out the need to further enhance military cooperation and operational readiness to effectively confront current and emerging security threats.
Al Budaiwi recalled decisions adopted at the extraordinary GCC leaders’ meeting held in Jeddah last April, where it was recommended to expand defence cooperation among Member States and strengthen collective capabilities to address shared security challenges.
Meanwhile, Al Budaiwi strongly condemned alleged attacks by Iran against GCC countries. He commended the military cooperation and coordination demonstrated by the Member States in dealing with such incidents and their aftermath. He noted that the general stance underlying this cooperation is that a threat to the security of one Member State impacts the security of all GCC countries.
He emphasized the necessity of reinforcing unity and mutual support among Gulf nations. Al Budaiwi stated that through enhancing the integration of military capabilities, exchanging intelligence information, and coordinating joint operations, Member States can more effectively protect their borders, strategic centres, and critical infrastructure.
He added that such measures will also play a vital role in ensuring the safety of both citizens and expatriates. The Secretary-General praised the courage, professionalism, and operational excellence of the GCC Armed Forces in responding to what he described as Iranian attacks. He paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty and extended condolences to their families, while wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
Al Budaiwi strongly condemned attacks targeting populated areas and key infrastructure within GCC countries. He criticized attacks carried out in connection with the Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, notably those affecting the security of Islamic holy sites.
The new military command centre in Kuwait is part of broad plans to enhance the effectiveness of the GCC’s joint military structure. Its objectives include improving communication between the armed forces of Member States, coordinating joint military actions, and ensuring rapid response capabilities during emergency security situations.
The GCC, comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, has been expanding defence cooperation through joint military exercises, coordinated defence operations, and the integration of military systems.
Currently, the GCC Unified Military Command operates out of Riyadh and coordinates joint military activities across the Gulf region to strengthen defence collaboration among Member States. The newly established command centre in Kuwait is expected to bolster existing military frameworks.
Supported by special military units, the centre will play a pivotal role in enhancing the GCC’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to the evolving security landscape in the region.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
