RIYADH — Minister of Defense Prince Khalid Bin Salman chaired here Tuesday the 19th meeting of the Joint Defense Council for the Ministers of Defense of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The GCC Defense Ministers participated in the meeting along with Secretary General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf as well as Commander of the GCC Unified Military Command Lt. Gen. Eid Bin Awadh Al Shalawi.

In his opening remarks, Prince Khalid welcomed the council members and conveyed greetings from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman.

Prince Khalid emphasized the significance of strengthening many facets among the GCC states in order to protect these nations' resources and the benefits of their peoples, advance their accomplishments, and realize the leaders' ambitions and objectives.

He highlighted the council's efforts to raise the level of its armed forces so that they can act as a shield against risks and threats, establish regional security and stability, and defend national interests and economic resources.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Saudi defense minister thanked his GCC counterparts and the secretary general for their sincere efforts to create and improve the GCC defense action.

He further expressed the hope that these initiatives would be successful in achieving the welfare of the GCC's citizens and nations and in maintaining the GCC security and safety under the guidance of the GCC leaders.

The meeting covered numerous topics related to the joint military action stated on the agenda, while the participants made essential decisions and recommendations. — SPA