GCC defense ministers to meet in Doha

Defense ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council will hold their sixth meeting in Doha next November 3-4.

The six Arab states' ministers will discuss the recommendations, submitted by the GCC armed forces chiefs of staff meeting held October 6, on enlarging the Peninsula Shield force by adding one battalion to be stationed in the strategic Saudi town of Hafr al Batten, and building a new base.

Forming a unified GCC army beside diversifying their sources of arms purchase are among the other recommendations to be considered by the GCC defense ministers.

The army chiefs of staff during their two-day meeting discussed improving the Desert Shield force, joint exercises and standardization of military ranks and terms.