Defense ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council agreed on a plan to establish a forward military command in Kuwait. The decision was approved during the twenty-third session of the Joint Defense Council, according to a statement issued by the bloc. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi announced the agreement. The session took place in Bahrain’s capital, Manama.
Bahrain’s Minister of Defense Affairs, Lt. Gen. Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, chaired the meeting. Defense ministers from the five other member states also participated in the discussions.
Albudaiwi stated that the meeting came amid regional tensions. These challenges include Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, concerns over renewed military confrontation between the United States and Iran, and continued disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The secretary-general said that GCC leaders attach great importance to joint military cooperation. He recognized the role of their armed forces in safeguarding regional security, stability, and sovereignty.
Albudaiwi said the meeting agenda included several decisions aimed at expanding military cooperation and advancing defense integration among member states. He did not provide details on these additional measures.
The GCC already maintains a Unified Military Command headquartered in Riyadh. That central body was established to coordinate joint military operations and strengthen defense cooperation among member members.
The latest decision follows an October twenty-ninth meeting of GCC armed forces chiefs of staff in Manama. During that gathering, military leaders discussed strengthening defense cooperation and coordination in response to regional security challenges.
The GCC was established in 1981 as a six-member regional organization. It comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. The bloc aims to promote political, economic, and security cooperation across the region.
