Information minister calls for enhancing GCC media cooperation

Manama : Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi has stressed the importance of enhancing joint GCC action to advance the unified GCC media message and its pivotal role in deepening GCC citizenship, strengthening joint developmental and civilisational achievements and consolidating GCC march to move from the cooperation phase to establish a solid and cohesive Gulf Union.

Addressing the 24th meeting of GCC Information Ministers, held here under the chairmanship of the Saudi Culture and Information Minister Dr. Adel bin Zaid Al-Turaifi, Al-Rumaihi voiced pride in participating in the key meeting following his recent appointment to his post in Bahrain, noting that he is looking forward to activating the GCC media cooperation for the best interest of GCC countries and peoples.

The security and economic challenges the GCC and Arab region is currently facing, and the increasing threats of ideological extremism and incitement of violence and terrorism require the activation of the role of GCC media in protecting GCC countries' security and stability, strengthening their security and Arab identity, Al-Rumaihi said.

It also requires stepping up collective efforts and joint coordination to counter media campaigns and clarify facts at the regional and international arenas, he added.

The minister lauded the third extraordinary meeting of GCC Information Ministers in Riyadh, and emphasised its importance in enhancing joint media action, deepening GCC identity, consolidating the security, stability and integrity of the GCC society and highlighting GCC humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the sufferings of brotherly Yemeni people.

He affirmed that the kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is constantly keen on supporting joint GCC action, especially in the media field, in line with the fraternal, historical, civilisational, social and human bonds, as well as the common destiny binding GCC countries.

He underlined his commitment to enhancing cooperation and partnership among GCC media establishments on protection GCC security, in all its dimensions, according to a unified vision that maintains the GCC, Arab and Islamic identity of GCC countries and their peoples and promote their humanitarian values of moderation, tolerance, dialogue among religions and cultures and denunciation of calls for division and incitement to extremism, hatred and terrorism.

The Information Affairs Minister invited GCC Information Ministers to attend the opening of the 14th Gulf Radio and Television Festival, to be hosted by the kingdom on March 14, adding that the kingdom welcomes hosting the annual fraternal festival that brings together GCC and Arab media leaders and creative persons.