Kuala Lampur:Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority (NMA), led the UAE delegation to the 29th Meeting of GCC Information Ministers held in Bahrain. The meeting saw participation from information ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
According to Wam, the meeting focused on enhancing Gulf media integration and coordination among member states, aiming to align efforts and facilitate the exchange of expertise and content. The discussions also addressed the implementation progress of the Strategic Plan for Joint Media Cooperation 2023-2030.
Participants reviewed proposals from member states and the GCC General Secretariat, along with annual reports from the GCC Joint Programme Production Institution and the Gulf Radio and TV Organisation. These reviews are part of efforts to advance joint media cooperation and develop relevant institutions and programs.
Al Hamed emphasized that strengthening Gulf media integration is strategically necessary to reinforce unity and safeguard common interests amid regional geopolitical developments. He highlighted the media's role in shaping public awareness and influencing discourse, making it crucial for addressing challenges and delivering credible content.
The 29th meeting was described by Al Hamed as an opportunity to advance media cooperation and improve coordination among member states. He underscored the need for moving from coordinating positions to integrating efforts through common standards and effective regional and international partnerships.
Al Hamed called for coordinated efforts to counter disinformation and digital practices undermining trust in Gulf societies. He stressed the importance of translating Gulf consensus into practical initiatives supported by effective follow-up mechanisms.
He praised the UAE's belief in media as a key defense line for national security and expressed gratitude to Bahrain for hosting the meeting. He also commended the GCC General Secretariat for supporting joint media cooperation, hoping the meeting's outcomes would broaden cooperation and consolidate media integration.
The UAE delegation included Fahad Mohammed Salem bin Kardous Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Bahrain; Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, NMA Secretary-General; and Maitha Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of NMA's Media Regulation Sector. The meeting explored media cooperation opportunities with Arab countries and the international community, including a proposal for a GCC-Egypt Media Forum.