The first joint Gulf-wide military exercises of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states has begun in Bahrain.

Under the motto of “Arab Gulf Security 1”, the exercises are taking place from 25 October to 17 November.

The joint security exercise was approved at the GCC Interior Ministers consultative meeting held in April, 2015 in Doha. It is a move toward unifying security concepts and terms, raising security readiness, enhancing command and control procedures and communication among security operation centers, as well as the instant exchange of information and carrying out security measures in response to various security situations.

The exercise is a part of the GCC security agreement aimed at boosting the joint capabilities, chiefly combating terrorism phenomenon and the exchange of expertise and training techniques, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

GCC members are hoping to unify protocols in relations to the protection of land and sea borders, installations and public and economic utilities, supported by various multi-purpose mechanisms, gunboats, several units, a number of aircrafts dedicated for security-related operations, in addition to equipment, weapons and other necessary appliances, as well.

Saudi Arabia is taking part in the first joint Gulf-wide exercise of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states in Bahrain.