The Ministers of the Interior of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries held Tuesday their 37th meeting through video conferencing, chaired by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan (photo), UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

The meeting was organized to highlight the keenness of GCC leaders to strengthen the Gulf security system, as well as develop its existing institutions, protect the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region, and maintain the safety of all GCC citizens and residents, Emirates news agency WAM reported.

During the meeting, its participants highlighted the importance of enhancing the cooperation and coordination in police and security work of GCC member countries, to serve their common interests.

The meeting also discussed several issues and topics on its agenda related to joint security, as well as how to enhance the security and police work of GCC states, combat crime and achieve regional security.

Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anas Al-Saleh has voiced his country’s eagerness to boost cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council member states to secure the region’s security and national interests amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

The GCC Interior Ministers also discussed a number of major security topics pertaining to the COVID-19 outbreak and means to curb it and limiting its spread, Oman News Agency (ONA) said.

The Ministers agreed on a number of procedures aimed to combat the virus, including the formation of a high-level joint team of representatives from Interior Ministries of member states who would meet via videoconferencing to follow up developments, coordinate efforts and exchange information about security and precautionary measures to curb the pandemic.

The Ministers also agreed to benefit from the experiences of countries that battled the pandemic successfully and follow their suit.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ministers addressed a message of thanks and gratitude to doctors, nurses and paramedical teams who formed the frontline against the pandemic, exerting tremendous efforts in limiting its progress and saving lives.