The GCC plans to set up a 100,000-strong joint security force under a unified military command, according to a top Saudi minister.

Saudi National Guard Minister Prince Mitaab bin Abdullah Al Saud revealed the plan as he patronised the conclusion of a two-week drill in Riyadh by the Saudi National Guard, under the theme "Loyalty and Sacrifice", reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

He described GCC unity as the real force for the Gulf and the Arab nation.

The Saudi official did not reveal the nationality of the commander who will lead the planned joint military force.

However, a GCC source told London-based Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper that the military commandant would be a Saudi.

The source also revealed that the joint armed forces commander would likely be nominated soon.

The 34th GCC summit, held in Kuwait recently, gave the go-ahead for the joint security force to be established under a unified military command.

Under the plan, Riyadh has been chosen to host the headquarters of the new military force.

Prince Mitaab cited the call of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, adding that unity would give GCC member states more economic, security and defence leverage.

"The Saudi National Guard is ready to participate in the unified GCC force," he said, stressing the importance of the joint army in bolstering collective security and stability of member states.-TradeArabia News Service