Gulf Cooperation Council mulls building joint defense systemNovember 23, 2011 - 09:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Gulf Cooperation Council defense ministers stressed building a joint defense system, via full integration among armed forces, as the most "active practical" option to defend the Arab Gulf countries' security, stability, sovereignty and resources. At Abu Dhabi-hosted meeting, the ministers discussed joint defensive cooperation to help GCC address current challenges with a final statement issued after the meeting. The ministers, preparing for next month's GCC summit in Saudi Arabia, took note of the deployment of the Peninsula Shield forces in Bahrain to protect some vital installations during the unrest in the Gulf island. The top officials reaffirmed support and solidarity with Bahrain to defending its stability, sovereignty and independence, said the statement. They also voiced relief for the performance of the Peninsula Shield forces in Bahrain. The GCC defense ministers also discussed challenges faced by marine navigation specifically in the Arabian Gulf, Sea of Oman and Red Sea. They, thus, agreed to establish a Bahrain-based coordination center for marine security and to continue studies to create the joint naval forces. They called for the development of the military cooperation and communication network between the GCC member states. The ministers also approved recommendations of the military committee over military cooperation and other defense-related matters, Arab media reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |