GCC's own Interpol begins operation from Abu Dhabi headquarters

Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani (centre) during a panel discussion at the conference. He said GCC-POL has already been staffed with police officials from the six member countries.

Playing a major role in tackling terrorism, GCC-POL, a regional equivalent of Interpol, has started operation from its Abu Dhabi headquarters, a top official told Khaleej Times.
Speaking to KT, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said GCC-POL has already been staffed with police officials from the six member countries, and operations are in full swing.
"We are closely working with the Interpol and has signed a MoU with them to facilitate exchange of information. The aim is to introduce a systematic approach in fighting terrorism in the region whereby we are relying on formidable institutions."
In a meeting attended by the Ministers of Interior from the GCC countries in November last year, it was agreed to set up the headquarters of GCC-POL, a regional police force, in Abu Dhabi. The GCC equivalent of Interpol will serve inside the six member countries to improve cooperation in fighting terrorism.
"I think there is no more important time than this for the GCC countries to tighten their cooperation. There are many challenges, and we need to take them as opportunities that get us closer to each other. With better cooperation and unity, we will be able to be more vigilant and mitigate risk from the entire spectrum whether it is aggression, cross-border terrorism, organised crime, and even manmade crisis or natural calamities. Only unity will prepare us to be resilient enough to deal with these challenges," said Al Zayani.
He said GCC member countries are geared up to face all kinds of security threats with the establishment of the GCC counternarcotic centre and GCC crisis and emergency response centre.
"We are well-prepared. All these organisations are working together to make this part of the world safer."
Al Zayani also said the GCC-POLL will create an immigration database that will be jointly shared by the member countries. "Work is in progress towards that direction. We are also actively working for improved connectivity through the GCC rail project and a power grid. In the current circumstances, though it is taking a bit longer, leaders of all countries are committed to see this project all the way through."
anjana@khaleejtimes.com