The GCC Ministers of Interior held the 36th meeting on Wednesday, 16 October 2019, in Muscat, Oman. The meeting was chaired by, HE Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, the Minister of Interior of the Sultanate of Oman and with the participation of HE the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.

In his opening speech, the Minister of Interior of the Sultanate of Oman said that today's meeting comes to continue the sincere efforts in enhancing the GCC joint security work, desiring to continue consultations in order to unify these efforts to preserve the security and prosperous development gains of the GCC States, under the leadership of their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC States, may Allah protect them. He praised the results of the meeting of the GCC Undersecretaries of Ministries of Interior held in Muscat on Monday, 14 October 2019, to prepare for this meeting.

In his speech, Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Kuwait said that today's meeting is an extension of the GCC interior ministers' meetings to discuss security, strengthening cooperation and coordination under the extremely complex regional conditions and appreciating their Excellencies the Ministers' ability to sense the sensitivity of these challenges from the point of view that one's fate and goals are common. He affirmed Kuwait's firm position to stand by Saudi Arabia in confronting regional dangers, defending its capabilities and protecting its facilities.

He added that the GCC States have come a long way in fighting terrorism and protecting their countries from its dangers and those efforts are still ongoing to address it. He stressed that the latest developments require enhancing the security cooperation and integration in protecting vital GCC facilities in order to preserve the main capabilities of their peoples, pointing out that the growing cybercrime resulting from the misuse of technological progress by criminal organizations and terrorist groups necessitates the need to raise security awareness and combat and address them.

In his speech, Lt. Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain stressed the prestigious status occupied by the GCC States in light of the wise and stable policy of the leaders of the GCC States, with the many blessings upon them, and their cultural, human and economic wealth. These pillars have contributed to the stability of the region and the economic and industrial environment enjoyed by the GCC States.

He pointed to a number of challenges that have imposed themselves on the security arena, these include the challenges resulting from the misuse of modern technologies and weapons such as; ballistic missiles, guided aircraft and submarines, and cyber attacks. As well as misleading rumors and targeted media aimed at destabilizing the GCC security and stability. He stressed that these challenges require a review of security priorities to strengthen the overall security umbrella in the GCC States, and the consequent development of security devices and systems to work as quickly and efficiently as necessary.

In his speech, HRH Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said that today's meeting is taking place amid critical conditions, serious terrorist and security threats and external interventions are aimed primarily at provoking chaos, sedition and interference in the internal affairs of the GCC States. This puts us in front of a double responsibility to ward off the dangers to our countries and peoples. He stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands with the GCC States in maintaining the GCC sovereignty, stability and common security.

HRH pointed out that insecurity and instability in many parts of the world have led to increasing waves of violence and terrorism and the spread of transnational organized crime requiring effective measures to protect the security of the GCC States and activate the relevant strategies, agreements and decisions issued by the GCC joint organizations to maintain the security and stability of the GCC States.

In his speech, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council affirmed that this meeting is a clear indication of the keenness of their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers and their great interest in enhancing the GCC joint security work, strengthening its institutions and developing its outputs. He stressed the necessity of continuous hard work to protect the security and stability of the GCC States and to preserve the interests of its citizens and residents.

He added that their Highnesses Excellencies have demonstrated, with their tireless efforts and sincere endeavors, that the security and stability of the GCC States is a top priority, no criminal or terrorist organization will be allowed to touch it. The GCC states will remain with the help and care of God, and thanks to the guidance of their dear leaders, your hard work, the sacrifices of their brave men, and the loyalty of their loyal sons, a fortress of security, safety and tranquility, and an oasis of goodness and prosperity.

The Secretary General commended the joint security cooperation among the GCC States, the significant progress and positive results achieved by the security services showed their competence in fighting crime, combating terrorism and criminal organizations. This has had the most significant impact on the achievements of the GCC States and a reputable reputation regionally and internationally.

He also praised the efforts exerted by the competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deal, with competence and efficiency, with the incident of terrorist attack condemned by the international community, which targeted  last the Aramco oil facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais, enabling the kingdom to pump oil back in record time and maintain the global energy supply.

At the end of the session, the Omani Minister of Interior and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council honored the winners of the Naif Security Research Award 2017 and former members of the Award.