The Gulf Army and Its Spirit

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At their latest meeting in Bahrain, the defense ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states approved the establishment of an advanced command for the Unified Military…

At their latest meeting in Bahrain, the defense ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states approved the establishment of an advanced command for the Unified Military Command in Kuwait.

This is an excellent step taken at a crucial time. There is no need to dwell at length on the importance of joint Gulf defense cooperation, nor on the difficult circumstances facing regional security and what the days ahead may bring.

The people of the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Arab world did not choose the Iranian regime, elect the American president or determine the composition of the Israeli government. Yet all these decisions affect their lives, bringing either danger or hope to our countries. The responsibility, therefore, is to take charge of our collective security.

This was, after all, one of the principal reasons the GCC was established more than four decades ago, alongside other objectives related to development, economic growth and strengthening the spirit of unity. But none of these goals can be achieved without ensuring security and building collective strength.

Speaking about the defense ministers' meeting in Bahrain, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said the gathering reaffirmed the commitment to "continued coordination, cooperation and integration among our countries, helping to strengthen our military and defense capabilities to confront all challenges."

In the same context, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi declared: "The security of our countries is a shared Gulf responsibility. Combining our military efforts strengthens our ability to protect our territories and resources and safeguard the security of our citizens and residents."

He also stressed that "the security of Saudi Arabia is an indivisible part of the security of all GCC states."

Meanwhile, following a meeting of GCC interior ministers, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif emphasized that "the security of GCC states is indivisible," underscoring the…

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