10/11/2026
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10/11/2026
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MANAMA, Nov 10: Defence ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have approved the establishment of an advanced command centre for the GCC Unified Military Command in Kuwait and the allocation of appropriate military forces to support its operations.
The decision was taken during the 23rd session of the GCC Joint Defence Council, held in Manama on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Nuaimi, Bahrain's Minister of Defence Affairs and chairman of the current session.
GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi announced the decision, describing it as an important step towards strengthening joint Gulf military cooperation and coordination.
He said joint military action continued to receive the full attention, support and backing of the leaders of GCC member states, reflecting their commitment to collective security and the protection of their territories and sovereignty.
Al-Budaiwi said the leaders believed that the armed forces of GCC countries had a shared responsibility to safeguard regional security and stability, preserve national independence and strengthen their capabilities to address present and future challenges.
He also referred to directives issued by GCC leaders during their extraordinary meeting in Jeddah last April, which called for strengthening joint Gulf military action and enhancing the bloc's ability to respond to common security threats.
GCC stresses collective defence amid regional tensions
Addressing developments in the region, Al-Budaiwi referred to what he described as Iranian attacks against GCC countries, praising the level of military cooperation and coordination among member states in responding to the developments and their consequences.
He said the cooperation demonstrated Gulf solidarity and reinforced the principle that the security of member states was a shared responsibility.
Combining military capabilities, intelligence and operational coordination would strengthen the GCC countries' ability to protect their territories, resources and the security of citizens and residents, he added.
The Secretary-General also praised the courage and professional capabilities demonstrated by GCC armed forces in confronting what he described as Iranian aggression.
He paid tribute to military personnel who lost their lives while performing their national duties and prayed for mercy for those killed, patience for their families and a speedy recovery for the wounded.
GCC condemns attacks on member states and Saudi Arabia
Al-Budaiwi strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries, particularly those affecting civilian locations and infrastructure.
He also condemned attacks attributed to the Houthi movement targeting Saudi Arabia, including incidents involving sites considered holy by Muslims.
He reaffirmed the GCC's solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security, stability, territorial integrity and holy sites.
He stressed that Saudi Arabia's security was an integral part of the collective security of all GCC member states.
Al-Budaiwi concluded by saying the 23rd Joint Defence Council meeting had considered several important decisions intended to expand military cooperation and advance integration among the Gulf countries.
The approval of an advanced command for the unified military command in Kuwait marks a further step in the GCC's efforts to strengthen its collective defence arrangements amid continuing regional security challenges.
