Security Cooperation in the Gulf Sheik Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa

摘要

The Gulf is one of the most important and strategically-vital regions in the world, yet is one infused with many challenges, and one in which intra-regional linkages are so important to the balance of security -a recognition which underpins the basic rationale for the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which we are a proud member. The GCC is both a continuation of old prevailing realities, and a practical response to the security and economic challenges in the region. It is within this context that our key foreign policy priority lies: our commitment to the GCC, and moving it forward from strength to strength. Our relationship with our allies, and our determination to explore ways to further consolidate our partnerships with them is another key priority, as is fulfilling our duty as an active, reasonable, responsible player in the international arena. Today, these priorities are exercised in tandem (and at times pushed to the limits) when dealing with issues such as the situation in Yemen, piracy, the Iranian nuclear file, the rise of extremism, the challenges in Iraq, human trafficking and demographics to name but a few.