Tunis: The Arab Interior Ministers Council, during its 42nd session held in Tunis, has awarded His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa the esteemed Prince Nayef Award for Arab Security (First Class). This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon heads of state and governments who have shown exceptional leadership in pioneering efforts towards ensuring security and peace.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the session saw President Kais Saied of Tunisia welcoming the ministers at the presidential palace in Carthage, where he underscored the significance of the meeting in fostering joint Arab security cooperation. Leading the delegation from Bahrain was General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Interior Minister. The session was presided over by Kuwait's Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah, who succeeded Qatar's Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as the chair of the council.
The session commenced with a speech from the representative of the Tunisian President, followed by remarks from His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's Interior Minister and Honorary President of the Arab Interior Ministers Council, along with Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Koman, the Secretary-General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, in his address, stressed the importance of keeping pace with global digital and technological advancements. He pointed out the necessity of expanding the use of artificial intelligence applications within security sectors. He proposed that the Arab Expert Team on Information Technology Crimes be tasked with studying and developing a guiding manual for the optimal use of AI in security programs.
The Interior Minister's proposal included two major initiatives: creating an Arab strategy for public safety that emphasizes training civilians and volunteers, and broadening the utilization of AI applications in security fields. The council also deliberated on several security-related issues, covering reports on security conferences, strategies to combat drug abuse and cybercrime, and civil protection plans.
In addition to the council discussions, the Interior Minister held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Portugal's Minister of Internal Affairs.