Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister & Interior Minister has called for stronger cooperation among the GCC countries to confront challenges imposed by current regional and international developments.
In the opening speech of the 30th GCC Interior Ministers meeting, held today at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Saif said it was necessary for the GCC countries to intensify their joint action to realize aspirations of their leaders for prosperity, security and stability in the region.
“We are extremely pleased that this meeting is held while our country is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the glorious national day,” he said.
Sheikh Saif conveyed to the GCC interior ministers greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He expressed the hope that the meeting will achieve a positive outcome in boosting joint cooperation among the GCC countries.
At the end of the meeting, the ministers issued the final statement in which they reiterated the GCC’s firm rejection of terrorism and extremism in all its forms.
They welcomed opening of the UN Center for Counter Terrorism (UNCCT) in New York, culminating a proposal made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
The ministers condemned the plot to assassinate ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Washington, describing it as a flagrant violation of all international laws, convictions and norms.
They reviewed outcome of the 2nd International Police Forum in the GCC and the World, held in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.
They also emphasized the need to develop and update existing security agreement among the GCC countries to cope with the recent developments and urged the concerned committees to review member countries’ recommendations on the new draft agreements before submitting it for signing and ratification by the member countries.
The ministers sent cables of thanks to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Gen. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and to Sheikh Saif for the warm hospitality. They also congratulated Sheikh Khalifa and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates on the 40th national day anniversary.
They welcomed a decision by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain to form a national committee for implementing recommendations of the independent Bahraini fact finding mission.
The ministers also congratulated HRH Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on his appointment as Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia.