GCC to expand Peninsula Shield

Riyadh—A proposal to expand the joint force of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called Peninsula Shield is currently being reviewed by the Gulf governments with an aim to boost indigenous capability to deter any external threat or aggression.

“The plan is at a preliminary stage being discussed by member countries,” said a GCC official speaking on the occasion of the bloc’s 30th anniversary celebrations that kicked off Tuesday.

“The proposal calls for expanding the Peninsula Shield and stationing the troops in each of the six member countries,” said the official, while referring to the remarks made by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Shaikh Khaled bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa. At the moment, the Peninsula Shield has about 40,000 troops and continues to have its permanent base at King Khaled Military City near Hafar Al-Batin in the Eastern Province.




Speaking on the occasion, GCC Secretary-General Abdullateef Al-Zayani thanked Riyadh Governor Prince Salman for his participation in the celebrations and for lending support and logistics to the GCC General Secretariat.

The secretariat, which is the administrative arm of the GCC alliance located in Riyadh governorate, monitors policy implementation, arranges meetings and liaison with various government agencies of the Gulf countries.

Al-Zayani announced that the GCC flag was unfurled together with the national flags of the GCC countries at all land, air and sea ports of the member countries on Wednesday.

“This hoisting of the GCC flag will send a message of unity among the member countries,” said Al-Zayani, adding: “This six-nation group had marched from strength to strength in all sectors, unifying their positions and boosting their capabilities.” —INP

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