Bahrain6 November 20153 min read

Gulf Forum ends with host of debates

By Muhannad Mansour/DTNN ,muhannad@dt.bh. T he fourth Gulf Forum for Strategic Planning GFSP4 concluded here yesterday with three extensive discussions on economic, social and military security of GCC states. The forum, which was themed "Security Concerns", was held at the Sofitel Hotel and Spa in Zallaq, under the patro

Editorial Team Legacy

Published 6 November 2015, 8:00 · Updated 22:13

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The fourth Gulf Forum for Strategic Planning GFSP4 concluded here yesterday with three extensive discussions on economic, social and military security of GCC states.

The forum, which was themed “Security Concerns”, was held at the Sofitel Hotel and Spa in Zallaq, under the patronage of Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, and was organised by Act Smart Public Relations Consultancy.

It witnessed the participation of Ministers, experts, analysts and researchers from Bahrain and fellow GCC countries.

General Secretary of the forum Dr Fahad Al Shehabi told DT News that “the event tackles security concerns in the six GCC states on six different levels, including economical, political, military, internal, media and social security.”

“Our region is lying on top of a volcano that erupts every now and then, giving us no chance to rest,” Dr Al Shehabi expressed, stressing that the Arabian Gulf region is constantly facing threats and security challenges.

During the military security discussion, retired Saudi Colonel, Strategic Researcher and Political Analyst Ibrahim Al Mar’ee emphasised on “the necessity of an agreement among GCC leaders to draw a clear strategy to deal with Iran.”

He said, “We need to determine as a unified group of states on whether Iran is a mutual enemy or not.”

“If we are truly unified as we say, why five GCC states held a joint military drill in Kuwait recently, while their sixth partner participated in a similar activity with the Iranian army in the southern waters of the Arabian Gulf?” said Al

Mar’ee, questioning the Omani stances towards Iran.

He added, “Iran has more than 5,000 spies planted in our countries. There is a necessity of strengthening our joint military forces to protect the whole area. The Peninsula Shield Force’s mission in Bahrain was successful.” Yet, it needs more support to combat future threats. This way we won’t need any foreign support to solve the issues happening in the region.”

Former Kuwaiti National Assembly member Nasser Al Dowaila said, “Iran distantly controls militias in the region and isn’t capable of going through a direct clash with GCC countries at this stage. It’s attempting to destablise our security through their experts and intelligence consultants.”

Gulf Forum ends with host of debates

Editorial Team Legacy

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