Arab solidarity call

Arab solidarity is the only solution to tackle threats faced by the region, said Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, who led Bahrain’s delegation at the 36th session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council in Tunisia. The meeting was held under the patronage of Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi and was chaired by honorary President of the council Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif Al Saud. General Shaikh Rashid said that Arab states should take joint stances against foreign inference in the internal security, especially from the part of Iran.

“The disregard for the sovereignty and national identity of the Arab states has prompted the Iranian leaders to talk about Iran’s great Persian borders on various occasions. This is a violation of the sovereignty of its neighbouring countries, including the Arab and Islamic states.  “We are facing many security challenges, including the misuse of the communication technology that becomes an issue in the security scenario and a security burden for all countries without exception.

“The technology is exploited effectively by terrorist groups and this has helped them to undertake terrorist operations in developed areas and cities.  “This calls for coordination among all countries so as to limit the exploitation of technology by terrorist groups and unification of procedures between communication and information technology authorities to draft appropriate legislation that meets the rapid development in the communication sector.” The Interior Minister also highlighted the successful implementation of Maan Programme at Bahrain schools.

“The programme aims to educate students of different levels to protect themselves against addiction through avoiding drugs, and to improve their awareness about the risks posed by narcotics and their harmful psychological and physical effects,” he said.   On the sidelines of the session, the Interior Minister met his Saudi counterpart and praised the strong ties between the two brotherly countries under the leaderships of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. 

He also appreciated Saudi Arabia’s honourable role in backing the security co-operation between the two countries.  The two leaders also discussed security coordination and issues of common interest.