02/05/2016
7280 times read
02/05/2016
7280 times read
KUWAIT CITY, May 1: As part of the government’s efforts to raise the level of security at Kuwait International Airport amid unstable security conditions in the region with terrorist groups targeting some Arab and foreign planes and airports, the Ministry of Interior announced its intention to sign a contract with private companies that provide security services in the airport such as inspection of luggage and securing passengers.
This announcement was made by acting Assistant Undersecretary for Border Security Major General Faisal Al-Sineen after his meeting with the British Minister in charge of airport security and anti-terrorism in the British Ministry of Interior Lord Tareq Ahmad, during their security inspection tour at Kuwait International Airport.
Last year, the British and US aviation authorities presented to their Kuwaiti counterparts their observations on the weak security procedures in the airport, where these authorities made their position clear with regard to suspending flights of the aviation companies to the country for safety concerns and in fear of terrorists using the security loopholes.
The relevant security and government agencies expedited procedures to address security loopholes through reorganization of the security system in the airport, in addition to the purchase of sophisticated security apparatus to be used in boosting security measures.
Concerning the inspection tour, the visiting British Minister and accompanying delegation inspected the departure and arrival lounges while looking into the current inspection procedures on people and luggage, as well as the security stages that the airport implements from the arrival of passengers and until they board the flight together with the luggage.
The visiting delegation also observed inspection procedures at the entrance for passengers, including the physical inspections they go through and the equipment being used. After the tour, Al-Sineen stated that it has become a necessity to work on developing and improving security procedures in airports in addition to reviewing the plans and programs in this regard. He pointed out “the terrorist problem is a global issue, hence, the need for prompt and effective measures to upgrade the security systems, especially in vital domains where people with extremist ideology consider easy targets for their terrorist operations”. He mentioned that the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Border Security Sector, aspires to benefit from British expertise in the aspect of protecting and securing airports and training personnel in order to achieve the highest level of security performance to be on par with global standards.
On the other hand, the British minister praised the level of performance reached by the Kuwait security agencies, especially in regard to airport security, indicating that, his country is ready to share necessary experience in the aspect of security and protection of airports for Kuwait to benefit from it. (Agencies)
By Munaif Nayef and Muhammad Ghanim Al-Seyassah Staff