His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that joint military action receives utmost attention, care, and support from Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC countries, based on the belief in the bonds of solidarity that unite the Cooperation Council countries, and in recognition of the responsibility of the armed forces in securing their countries, ensuring stability, and protecting their territories. His Excellency stressed the need and importance of strengthening this blessed Gulf march, enabling it to confront various present and future challenges and threats.

HE the Secretary General’s statements came during the 20th meeting of the Joint Defence Council of Their Highnesses and Excellences the Defence Ministers in the Armed Forces of the GCC countries, chaired by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, chairman of the current session. The meeting was attended by Their Highnesses and Excellences the Defence Ministers in the Armed Forces of the GCC countries, on Tuesday (November 21, 2023) in the Omani capital, Muscat.

At the beginning of the meeting, HE the Secretary General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, the Supreme Commander, the current President of the Supreme Council of the GCC, for His Majesty’s care and noble guidance, as well as for the relentless efforts exerted by the Sultanate of Oman to enhance the joint Gulf action and achieve the noble objectives of the GCC. 

He also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, chairman of the current session, for his good efforts during his presidency of the Joint Defence Council in this session, for his keen interest and follow-up of the joint Gulf military action, as well as the support provided by the authorities in the Sultan Armed Forces. His Excellency also commended everyone for their sincere work and desire to enhance joint military action.

Furthermore, HE the Secretary General stated that the meetings of the Joint Defence Council aim to achieve common security, protect the GCC countries, and maintain their stability, praising the great role played by the armed forces of the GCC countries, their high efficiency and distinguished capabilities, as well as the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by their members in carrying out their assigned tasks, in addition to their exceptional performance in coordinating and managing military operations, joint drills, adding that this is evident in the ongoing drill "Takamul 1" in the State of Kuwait.

His Excellency also praised the Gulf military achievements and the joint military activities carried out during this year, which have played a significant role in consolidating joint military cooperation.

During the meeting, several topics related to joint military action were discussed, while Their Highnesses and Excellences the Defence Ministers emphasised the importance of continuing the joint effort that achieves Gulf military integration between the armed forces of the GCC countries, as a translation of the noble objectives and visions of Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC countries