GCC National and Regional Security conference kicks off

Manama, April 23 (BNA)-- Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa patronised today the opening of "the GCC National and Regional Security-An Inside View" conference which is organised by Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT). In his opening speech, His Majesty the King's Advisor for Diplomatic Affairs and DERASAT Board Chairman Dr. Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar stressed the need of the GCC countries to map out a comprehensive strategic concept for joint defence to deter threats and boost security cooperation. He said the GCC countries had gone a long way in boosting military and security cooperation ever since Kuwait Summit in 2009. Yet, he added, the GCC countries have not still agreed on a strategic concept determining the framework for a deterrent force concept amid regional and international changes. A O Q