A Gulf meeting discusses continuing to activate joint military cooperation

The Supreme Gulf Military Committee discussed continuing to activate joint military cooperation, and issues aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and strengthening the interconnectedness and fraternal coordination between the armed forces of the GCC countries.

This came during the twenty-third meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Gulf Armed Forces, which Bahrain hosted on Thursday, during which they discussed military issues of common interest and ways to enhance cooperation and coordination, in a way that serves common interests and aspirations.

Lieutenant General Theyab Al Nuaimi, Chief of the Bahraini Chief of Staff, explained that “the seriousness of this stage and the extraordinary attacks it is witnessing place us all before a historic responsibility that requires our full solidarity, close coordination, and joint cooperation, to contain all risks that threaten the security and stability of the Gulf states.”

Al Nuaimi pointed out that Bahrain has always emphasized the necessity of strengthening defense systems and defense integration, and supporting the pillars of joint military construction between the Gulf states, looking forward to “the meeting taking our hands to achieve the good and elevation we aspire to for our countries, the aspirations and visions of our leaders, and the hopes of our peoples, in a way that ensures lasting security, stability and prosperity.”

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister, arrived in the American city of Atlanta, on Friday, to participate in the meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Twenty (G20).

The meetings are scheduled to address the most prominent geopolitical developments, maritime navigation security, energy, food security, global trade and supply chains, in addition to enhancing international cooperation and multilateral action to confront global economic challenges.

The accompanying delegation includes Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, and Abdul Mohsen Al-Khalaf, Deputy Minister of Finance, the Saudi Sherpa to the G20.

The British Maritime Trade Operations Authority reported, early Friday morning, that a tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after a small boat approached it and installed two explosive devices on its hull, according to what was reported by the German News Agency.

The authority said, citing a verified report, that the accident occurred on Thursday when explosions led to a fire in the engine room, causing the ship to lose its ability to maneuver for a short period.

The authority added that the crew members are fine, and no environmental damage has been reported, noting that the fire has been extinguished and that the tanker is currently heading towards a port.

The party carrying out the attack was not immediately revealed.

It is noteworthy that Iran has recently intensified its attacks on ships, especially along a southern shipping lane supported by the US Navy.