GCC Joint Defence Council recommends establishing joint naval force

The 13th GCC Joint Defense Council meeting recommended to the higher council to approve a special study on the establishment of a joint naval force.
According to the final communique, the council agreed on the provision of providing therapeutic services for incurable diseases to members of the armed forces in GCC countries, whether in military hospitals or specialized centers in GCC countries and to put forward such recommendations to the higher council.
The statement noted that the ministers discussed current developments in the region, and the challenges of GCC countries in light of rapid changes and developments in various areas of the region.
The statement added that the ministers were briefed on the progress of joint military action, particularly with regard to a unified military leadership as well as the feasibility of defense integration work, stressing importance of vigorously pushing forward for the completion of these issues based on a time table plan.
The ministers also expressed their welcome to the invitation by Qatari Minister of State for Defence Affairs and a member of Qatari Council of Ministers Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Ali Al-Attiyah to host the 14th session of Joint Defense Council meeting next year in Qatar.
The council also expressed satisfaction at what has been achieved so far in the field of joint military action and efforts at different levels in this regard, including gratitude and appreciation to all members of the Supreme Military Commission and all stakeholders in the armed forces and leadership of the Peninsula Shield forces for their care and attention on joint action and the development of a permanent follow-up to implement and achieve directives and decisions issued by the Supreme Council and the joint Defense Council.
The ministers also hailed with deep appreciation and gratitude His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC for his support and leadership.
They also expressed their thanks and appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah for his effort during his chairing of the current session and contribution to strengthen GCC joint work and process.