GCC Interior Ministers Discuss COVID-19 Security Repercussions

Gulf

October 28th, 6:38am

Riyadh - Asharq Al-Awsat

Gulf interior ministers hold their 37th ordinary meeting, SPA

Interior ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, in their 37th ordinary meeting on Tuesday, addressed a set of key security issues related to the coronavirus pandemic and commended measures taken by GCC states to fight the virus. The virtual meeting was held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister, minister of interior of the UAE, and the president of the current session. At the meeting, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif lauded the achievements made by GCC countries in many areas, particularly with regard to security efforts. The other areas include checking crimes, combating terror, traffic safety, civil protection, fighting drugs, and financial crimes. Prince Abdulaziz pointed out that the success achieved by security apparatuses in facing global and local challenges contributed to strengthening the complementary relationship between them and citizens. He added that the level of social awareness towards the importance of security apparatuses has been raised. Prince Abdulaziz said that the meeting is taking place amid critical circumstances facing the entire world due to the outbreak and spread of the coronavirus, which threatened the health of mankind and had repercussions on the lives of people and the world economy. He added that the current situation places a responsibility on states to take effective measures to combat the health, security and economic fallout. Prince Abdulaziz urged bolstering security cooperation to stem the spread of the coronavirus in GCC states. GCC Secretary-General Nayef Al-Hajraf, in a press statement after the meeting, said that the ministers took decisions on a host of issues on their agenda, including reports submitted to them by security committees as well as recommendations forwarded by interior ministry undersecretaries. GCC interior ministers also lauded the support lent by GCC leaders to joint security action for enhancing cooperation and further consolidating the security and stability of GCC countries, Al-Hajraf said.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2590816/gcc-interior-ministers-discuss-covid-19-security-repercussions