Kuwait, Spain mull promoting security cooperation

MADRID, May 22 (KUNA) -- The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Undersecretary Lt. Gen. Hashem Al-Rifai Monday said his visit to Spain aimed to open communication channels with Spain's Guardia Civil (SGC) in all fields of common concern.
Al-Rifai made the statement to KUNA and the Kuwait TV while concluding an official visit to headquarters of SCG that started with a meeting with Director-General Jose Manuel Holgado and his deputy.
The visit was in line with instructions of Kuwait's National Guard President His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and his deputy Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah that aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation, Al-Rifai added.
It sought to strengthen cooperation with military and security institutions of friendly countries, and implement the provisions of the 2020 strategic plan, he noted.
KNG has begun a plan for more than three years to promote cooperation with a number of countries, starting with GCC member states, France and Jordan, he said, indicating that Spain and Portugal were the last two tours in this plan.
There was a meeting today with Holagado and his deputy during which means of promoting cooperation and upgrading the two apparatuses were discussed, he revealed.
"We were briefed on SGC's operation center, and a presentation on its missions and potentials was displayed," he said.
He referred that there are similarities between missions of Spain and Kuwait's guard apparatuses.
This enhances greatly cooperation, mainly points of common concern, like training special guards and combating terrorism, he stressed.
He said a plan was drawn up with the Spanish side to direct bilateral cooperation in all domains next years.
Meanwhile, Al-Rifai said Kuwait National Guard, which was established on June 7, 1967, would mark the Golden Jubilee within days, lauding long strides made over the last 50 years.
For his part, SGC chief General Francisco Diaz Alcantud said in a statement to KUNA that Spain has distinguished ties with all Arab countries, including Kuwait.
He referred that Spain and Kuwait are looking forward to developing bilateral ties and fostering means of cooperation in all fields.
He extolled the visit of Kuwaiti officials to his country, saying that the promotion of cooperation with Kuwait is a very positive issue, and the only way to overcome challenges and face current security threats.
He welcomed the initiative by KNG and its efforts to join the Association of the European and Mediterranean Police Forces and Gendarmeries with Military Status.
He pointed out that it is a tool co-established by France, Italy, Spain and Portugal to develop organizational and structural potentials of security institutions, and share experiences, information and views on regional and international security issues.
The Kuwaiti delegation headed by Al-Rifai began today an official visit to Spain and will take part in the conference of Association of the European and Mediterranean Police Forces and Gendarmeries with Military Status to be hosted by Lisbon Wednesday. The delegation will pay an official visit to Portugal later.
During the conference, the Kuwaiti delegation will submit an official request to join FIEP, with the aim of promoting cooperation with member states. (end) hnd.hm