GCC security strategies to top talks at 3-day forum
Aimed at discussing the ongoing challenges and threats in the region, a regional security forum was launched in Bahrain yesterday.
The fourth edition of the Arab Gulf Forum for Strategic Planning was opened by Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa at the Sofitel Hotel, Zallaq.
The three-day forum will intensively discuss regional risks and threats at all levels of political, economic, social, media, internal and military security.
A number of prestigious delegates, including ministers, consultants, diplomats, economists, military generals, researchers and experts, will speak at the event.
Today, on the second day of the forum, three working sessions on political, media and internal security, will be held. Saudi Shura Council member Dr. Isa Al Ghaith, Shura council member Bassam Albinmohammed, and professor of Literature and History in Umm Al Qura University specialising in the subject of Iranian Affairs Dr. Mohammed Al Salmi will speak at the event.
Today’s second session on Economic Security will see former Labour Minister Majeed Al Alawi and member of the Economic Development Board Khalid Al Amin, as the speakers, among other experts.
The final session of the day on internal security will
be addressed by regional high-ranked police officers, including Public Security Chief Major General Tariq Al Hassan and Dubai Police Quality and Excellence Assistant General Commander Major General Abdul Qudoos Al Obaidly.
The third and final day of the forum will witness discussions on economic, social and military security by HM the King’s Adviser for Media Affairs Nabeel Alhamer, Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi, Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts Presidents Sultan Al Baz’ee and other experts.
After delivering his speech, Shaikh Rashid honoured the speakers, sponsors and organisers of the forum in the presence of ministers, Shura Council and Parliament members, diplomats and dignitaries.
Forum Important to Move Forward: Interior Minister
Speaking during the opening ceremony yesterday, Shaikh Rashid stressed that “the region had passed through different security phases in the past decade and the forum will contribute in drawing clear strategies to move to the next levels.”
Highlighting the internal situations of Bahrain, the minister said, “Internally, we’ve moved from one phase to another during the past few years. These stages consisted of many threats and activities outside the framework of the law, which will not be tolerated anymore. This was incorrectly portrayed and supported by some of the media and rights organisations. Passing this phase was a challenge for us, but we did it and it should be documented. Today we plan a security strategy to secure the future of Bahrain. We’ve shifted into different chapters that were accompanied by extremism and terrorism. But we shall cross to the safe side by joining efforts.”
The minister stressed that the main focus in the near future is to protect and rehabilitate the youth. “We have strategic, social and economic challenges in Bahrain and we are committed to surpass them. In the Interior Ministry, we put the youth of Bahrain as our main target, and we appreciate the national efforts dedicated to rehabilitate and guide them. The youth were part of the events that was witnessed by the region recently and they’re the future of the country,” the minister added, underlining the connection between internal and regional events.
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