GCC defence ministers condemns recent blasts in Bahrain

The Joint Defence Council of Ministers of Defence of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has condemned, in the strongest terms, the recent blasts in the kingdom, reiterating GCC states' full support for Bahrain. In a statement issued following the conclusion of its 11th session here, the council said that it had discussed joint military and defence action and agreed on strengthening defence complementarity, developing the Joint Peninsula Shield Forces and establishing a GCC Institute for Defence and Security. The GCC Defence Ministers also reviewed the progress of joint military action, including the studies conducted so far, the steps taken, the daily work of the Peninsula Shield Troops, military communication, joint drills and medical services, the statement also said. The communiqué added that the GCC Defence Ministers discussed the threats facing the member states amid the various changes and developments taking place in the region, expressing GCC country's unity in facing all threats and dangers. In this regard, they denounced the recent terrorist incidents in Bahrain, reaffirming support for the kingdom. The GCC defence Chiefs also extended earnest congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques following the success of the surgery he underwent recently, wishing him continuous good health. They also expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and all military sides in Saudi Arabia for their constant support for joint GCC military action and hosting of many military coordination meetings. The council also endorsed the appointment of the Qatari nominee for the post of Assistant Secretary-General for Military Affairs Major-General Mubarak Said Al-Khayarin, to take office in April, 2013, commending the efforts of his predecessor Major-General Khalifa Hameed Sa'ed Al-Ka'abi. At the end of the meeting, Minister of State for Defence Affairs Lieutenant-General Doctor Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa invited GCC Defence Ministers to the 12th session of the GCC Joint Defence Council, due to be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2013.