Gulf Cooperation Council defense ministers stressed building a joint defense system, via full integration among armed forces, as the most "active practical" option to defend the Arab Gulf countries' security, stability, sovereignty and resources.

At Abu Dhabi-hosted meeting, the ministers discussed joint defensive cooperation to help GCC address current challenges with a final statement issued after the meeting.

The ministers, preparing for next month's GCC summit in Saudi Arabia, took note of the deployment of the Peninsula Shield forces in Bahrain to protect some vital installations during the unrest in the Gulf island.

The top officials reaffirmed support and solidarity with Bahrain to defending its stability, sovereignty and independence, said the statement.

They also voiced relief for the performance of the Peninsula Shield forces in Bahrain.

The GCC defense ministers also discussed challenges faced by marine navigation specifically in the Arabian Gulf, Sea of Oman and Red Sea. They, thus, agreed to establish a Bahrain-based coordination center for marine security and to continue studies to create the joint naval forces.

They called for the development of the military cooperation and communication network between the GCC member states. The ministers also approved recommendations of the military committee over military cooperation and other defense-related matters, Arab media reported.