MANAMA — Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the ministers of defense of the GCC states approved the opening of an Advanced Command for the Unified Military Command in Kuwait and the allotment of appropriate forces to it. This was among the decisions taken by the 23rd session of the GCC Joint Defense Council, held in Manama on Tuesday, under the chairmanship of Bahraini Minister of Defense Affairs Lt. Gen. Abdullah Al Nuaimi, who is also chairman of the current session. Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman and defense ministers of other GCC countries participated in the meeting. Albudaiwi stated that the decision comes within the framework of strengthening joint Gulf military cooperation and implementing the directives issued by the GCC leaders during their extraordinary meeting held in Jeddah last April, thereby enhancing the member states’ ability to confront threats and challenges and safeguard their security, stability, and sovereignty. Albudaiwi commended the level of military cooperation and coordination among GCC member states in confronting Iranian attacks, as well as the efficiency and courage demonstrated by Gulf armed forces in repelling them. He stressed that the security of GCC member states is a shared responsibility and that their concerted military efforts strengthen their ability to protect their territories and resources. The GCC chief condemned the treacherous Iranian attacks that targeted the GCC states and caused damage to numerous civilian objects and infrastructure. He also expressed the strongest condemnation and denunciation of the heinous Houthi militia assaults on Saudi Arabia and its targeting of the holy sites. He stressed that the GCC states stand united alongside Saudi Arabia, in full solidarity with it, and support all measures it takes to defend its security, stability, territorial integrity, and holy sites.He noted that the session’s agenda included several decisions aimed at strengthening joint Gulf military cooperation and enhancing integration among the armed forces of the GCC member states.