National security vital

TDT | Manama

National security is the foundation of development, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said yesterday. The Interior Minister was speaking during a lecture for the participants of the second national defence course and the 12th command and staff course, held at the Royal College of Command, Staff and National Defence.

The Interior Minister asserted that the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has a crucial role in reinforcing the Bahraini identity and protecting national values, as it promotes the spirit of belonging to the nation.

The Interior Minister quoted HM the King, saying: “The citizen is an active partner to public security forces in carrying their missions and duties towards society.” The Interior Minister emphasised the importance of security for all, and the role of all to achieve it.

He highlighted internal security measures, border control, crisis and disaster management, and international support and cooperation during his lecture. He said that the security efforts to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bahrain has included disinfection procedures of the Civil Defence that reached more than 15,000 operations in the last two months.

The Interior Minister said that these efforts are part of the missions of Team Bahrain, which works under the supervision of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

He added that the Directorate of Transportation has transported around 9,000 suspected and infected coronavirus cases, along with those who were in contact with active cases, through specially equipped vehicles, in cooperation with concerned authorities.

He also discussed the unique awareness campaign of the police media and the logistical support to the various Interior Ministry directorates to promote the fight against COVID-19.

The Interior Minister asserted during his lecture indicating factors that reflect the stability of security in Bahrain, such as the reduction in crimes, including public security-related crimes as part of the counterterrorism efforts of security authorities.

He also tackled the achievement of the Interior Ministry in developing smart policing and expanding the use of security cameras and artificial intelligence. He revealed that the Civil Defence, the Coast Guard and the Criminal Investigation Directorate had tackled 16,000 cases in all in 2019. At the end of his lecture, the Interior Minister answered questions from the attendees.