Kuwait city: His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, hosted the Interior Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for the 42nd GCC Interior Ministers' Meeting. The event focused on enhancing security cooperation among the GCC nations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, led Bahrain's delegation at the meeting. He expressed Bahrain's gratitude to Kuwait for its hospitality and to Sheikh Fahad Al Yusuf Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Kuwait, for presiding over the meeting. He also acknowledged the efforts of the GCC Secretariat General in organizing the event.
The Interior Minister emphasized the progressive approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, highlighting the implementation of the Alternative Sentencing and Measures Law. This initiative marked a shift in the Kingdom's criminal justice system from a focus on deterrence to reform and reintegration, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah shared Bahrain's guide for implementing alternative sentencing and open prisons, proposing its adoption throughout the GCC to advance rehabilitative justice. He also called for enhanced cooperation in tackling modern technological crimes and expanding the GCC Anti-Drugs Strategy.
During the meeting, discussions covered joint security initiatives, including combating money laundering, improving traffic systems, and enhancing data exchange. The ministers agreed to forward the proposal for a unified GCC tourist visa to the Foreign Ministers and approved plans for upcoming security exercises and conferences.
Bahrain received recognition for the "Maan" Centre for Research and Training team's achievement in the Prince Nayef Award for Arab Security with their study on the impact of social media on Gulf families.
The Bahraini delegation included the country's Ambassador to Kuwait, the Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry, and other officials.