Manama: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, received a joint delegation from the Secretariat-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the delegation was led by Brigadier Hamad Ajlan Al Amimi, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Security Affairs, and Hamad Saif Al Mashghouni, Acting Executive Director of the Air Ports Sector at the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Lieutenant General Tariq Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security, and Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) also attended the meeting.
The minister expressed Bahrain's appreciation for the historical ties with the United Arab Emirates and emphasized the robust security cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the exchange of expertise and successful practices to safeguard collective security and protect the interests of GCC states.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah noted the adoption of the first phase of the "Single Point" system, recently approved by GCC Interior Ministers in Kuwait. This system will allow GCC citizens to complete travel procedures from a single point, starting on a trial basis between Bahrain and the UAE, as part of efforts to reinforce GCC solidarity in addressing security challenges. He emphasized the use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in this regard.
The minister also stressed the importance of developing port operations, enhancing digital integration, improving technical readiness, and promoting expertise exchange between competent authorities in both countries, contributing to service efficiency and streamlined procedures within the framework of advancing joint Gulf cooperation.
The meeting reviewed several security-related topics and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise to enhance joint efforts.