His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the Peninsula Shield Forces have become a symbol of our Gulf destiny and a representation of the shared Gulf will to protect the security and stability of our nations and peoples.
This statement was made during His Excellency the Secretary General's visit to the headquarters of the Peninsula Shield Forces at King Khalid Military Base on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He was received by Major General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Balawi, Commander of the Joint Peninsula Shield Forces, along with several senior officers from the GCC member states who are part of the Peninsula Shield Forces.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General noted that the founding leaders of the GCC laid the cornerstone of this military edifice in 1984 under the name "Peninsula Shield Forces."
"Their visionary perspective in establishing this force aimed to protect the security of the member states, build a comprehensive defense system that safeguards their resources, and efficiently confront external challenges and threats, while enhancing military cooperation among them," His Excellency said, adding: "What we witness today in terms of readiness and preparedness among the Peninsula Shield Forces is the result of years of hard work, continuous training, and close collaboration among our armed forces in the member states. Their historical contributions and participations, such as the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, the defense of Kuwaiti territory during the liberation of Iraq in 2003, and the maintenance of security and order in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2011, stand as the greatest evidence of the foresight of the founding leaders, and their awareness of the future challenges that our nations and the region may face. We are always confident that the Peninsula Shield Forces will remain the protective shield for the member states and the deterrent sword against anyone who attempts to undermine our security and stability."
He also pointed out that the evolution of the Peninsula Shield Forces since their inception to the present day, becoming one of the main components of the unified military command alongside the unified air and naval centres, stems from a forward-looking perspective of the armed forces of the GCC states, recognising the necessity of aligning their organisation and formation with military developments and changes, according to the latest military strategies. "This evolution has been achieved through the significant and valuable efforts of the armed forces members in their joint meetings," His Excellency stressed.
Furthermore, he addressed the joint exercises conducted by the Peninsula Shield Forces, underscoring that these exercises are a manifestation of the cooperative defense efforts among the GCC states.
"They (the joint excercises) have proven to the world that they are not merely routine drills but a realistic and practical embodiment of the capabilities, readiness, and combat preparedness of our Gulf forces in line with the latest global military standards. This reinforces the concept of joint Gulf military work, a fundamental pillar for the security and stability of the region," His Excellency explained.
He looked forward to the upcoming 11th Peninsula Shield Exercise, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in 2027, wishing success in achieving the goals and objectives of this exercise.
In conclusion, His Excellency extended his highest gratitude and appreciation to Lieutenant General Eid bin Awad Al Shalawi, Commander of the GCC Unified Military Command for his valuable efforts and significant contributions to activating the command's work and enhancing its missions alongside his fellow personnel.
He congratulated Major General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Balawi on his appointment as Commander of the Unified Military Command, wishing him success in fulfilling his duties and continuing the illustrious journey of the command. He also thanked the leaders and personnel of the Peninsula Shield Forces for their dedication and continuous efforts in fulfilling their duties with sincerity and professionalism.
At the same time, he emphasised that the General Secretariat of the GCC supports all initiatives that enhance the capabilities of the Peninsula Shield Forces and develop their potential in line with regional and international developments.
