Bahraini interior minister receives GCC presidents

Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received the GCC Presidents and Directors General of Customs who participated in the third meeting of GCC Customs Union hosted by Kingdom of Bahrain and in presence of Bahrain President of Customs Shaikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. At the beginning of the meeting, Shaikh Rashid welcomed the GCC Presidents and Directors General of Customs, expressing his appreciation and thanks for their distinctive and sustainable efforts in developing the customs procedures, in the way that contributes in preserving the security and stability of the GCC states and providing the best services. The Minister of Interior stressed that customs today has become a main partner with several security agencies and community institutions in combating terrorism, alluding to their role played in the field of controlling materials used in carrying out terrorist acts. Shaikh Rashid also highlighted the importance of having a joint system of customs information that would help to provide details about customs security, which increases the need for coordination between the GCC countries. He also alluded to the necessity to benefit from modern technologies in the field of customs, particularly the customs work has become an integral part of the security system in GCC countries. For their part, the GCC customs Presidents and Directors General expressed their thanks and appreciation for the Minister of Interior and his wise directives in the field of developing the customs work between the GCC states, commending Bahrain’s positive participation, its constructive proposals and successful experiences in the customs field. They also expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and great hospitality the delegations received, wishing Bahrain sustainable security, progress and prosperity.