Kuwait city: GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the GCC's significant regional and international stature, attributing this to its security, stability, and commitment to continuous strengthening. He highlighted the organization's ability to attract visitors, investors, and job-seekers during the 42nd GCC Interior Ministers' meeting held at Bayan Palace. The meeting was chaired by Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, with the presence of GCC interior ministers and delegation heads.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi presented key recommendations from the undersecretaries' meeting, which included the Gulf Security Strategy for Combating Money Laundering 2026-2030. Plans for a workshop on the Gulf Strategy for Combating Cybercrime and Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, were also discussed. Additionally, the agenda covered the Gulf Strategy for Combating Extremism 2026 workshop, the Gulf Security Conference 2027 initiative, and preparations for the UAE-Bahrain one-stop travel system project, which is set to launch later this year and eventually extend to all GCC interior ministries.
He commended the directives of the GCC interior ministers and the ministries' dedicated efforts, which have resulted in joint Gulf security accomplishments that align with the directives of GCC leaders and the aspirations of its people. Al-Budaiwi highlighted achievements such as the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs 2025-2028 and the successful integration of traffic violation systems across GCC countries.
Expressing gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for Kuwait's leadership, Al-Budaiwi wished for continued progress for Kuwait and all GCC nations. He also acknowledged the contributions of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yusuf and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior in ensuring the meeting's success.
The GCC Secretary-General affirmed the General Secretariat's commitment to executing the Interior Ministers' directives and implementing joint Gulf security decisions. The Bahraini Interior Minister highlighted the need for organized and collective Gulf security efforts to combat organized and cross-border crimes driven by technological advancements.
Meanwhile, the UAE Interior Minister reiterated his nation's commitment to initiatives that bolster GCC cooperation. The Saudi Interior Minister advocated for developing an integrated system and conducting forward-looking studies to address emerging threats, emphasizing the importance of building human capacities and raising public awareness. The Qatari Interior Minister stressed the indivisibility of Gulf security and reaffirmed his country's dedication to enhancing cooperation and sharing expertise and information to ensure the region's stability and prosperity.