RIYADH - Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, emphasized that the recently concluded "North Thunder" military exercise has reinforced the depth of Arab and Islamic cohesion as well as the ability of the participating countries to confront whatever threatens the peace and security of the states in the region. The Crown Prince made the remarks while receiving a number of princes, sheikhs, senior officials and commanders of security sectors at his office in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. He said that everyone is following with appreciation and awe the efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, in strengthening the security of not only the Kingdom but also that of the Gulf and other Arab states by confronting all the threats surrounding them. "The 'North Thunder' military drills were the best example for this. The exercise has proved that the Arab and Islamic countries would stand together with decisiveness and determination in confronting terrorist organizations and those associated with them," he said. Crown Prince Muhammad praised the great role played in this regard by Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense. The Crown Prince expressed pride over King Salman's appreciation of the achievements accomplished recently by security men in tracking down those involved in terrorist acts through preemptive security operations, which proved the efficiency and caliber of the forces in foiling all the attempts to undermine the security and stability of the Kingdom and its people. In another development, Bahrain's Council of Ministers on Monday lauded the success of the "North Thunder" drills held under the leadership of Saudi Arabia with the participation of GCC, Arab and Islamic counties. "The joint exercise had conveyed a clear message to the world that the Arab and Islamic nations are united, ready and serious in countering threats and terrorism, defending their interests and reinforcing security and stability, Bahrain News Agency reported. "While praising the importance of the maneuver in terms of its timing and location, the Cabinet voiced pride in the outstanding ability of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman, to bring Arab and Islamic countries together and organize such a massive drill, deemed the largest in the region's history, in a bid to show the capability of the 20 participating countries to defend themselves and fend off potential threats to their security and stability.
