Bahraini Minister of Transport and Communications: Gulf coordination enhances readiness and competitiveness of postal and telecom sectors
Bahraini Minister of Transport and Communications affirmed that Gulf coordination enhances the readiness and competitiveness of the postal and telecom sectors amid digital transformation
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Manama, October 18 (KUNA) -- Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, affirmed on Sunday that the rapid developments in the postal and telecommunications sectors, driven by digital transformation and the expansion of artificial intelligence applications and emerging technologies, necessitate continued coordination and joint efforts among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to develop infrastructure and services. Such measures will enhance the GCC countries’ readiness, competitiveness, and standing at both the regional and international levels.
This statement was made by the Bahraini minister during his chairmanship of the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Postal and Communications Affairs, attended by Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC Secretariat General, Khaled Al-Sanadi, as well as ministers and representatives of relevant authorities in the postal and telecommunications sectors from GCC member states, including Omar Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture.
Sheikh Abdullah noted that the progress achieved by GCC countries in international telecommunications and information technology indicators reflects the efforts made to develop the sector. He emphasized the importance of unifying Gulf positions and approaches in regional and international forums to support shared interests and strengthen the Gulf presence in specialized international organizations.
He clarified that the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Postal and Communications Affairs represents an opportunity to enhance Gulf cooperation and integration, and to discuss priority issues. He stressed the importance of reaching practical initiatives and decisions that contribute to strengthening the readiness and resilience of the two sectors to keep pace with rapid global changes.
He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to GCC member states for their support of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s candidacy, represented by Adel Darwish, for the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and expressed his hope that this support would continue in the coming phase to enhance the Gulf presence in leadership positions within specialized international organizations.
The meeting discussed several agenda items of common interest, including telecommunications regulation, roaming, digital services, joint action plans, and cooperation in the space sector, alongside a review of updates on joint Gulf initiatives and programs, as well as outputs from specialized committees and working groups.
Bahrain’s hosting of the meeting reflects the Kingdom’s advanced standing in supporting the trajectory of joint Gulf work, and embodies the GCC states’ commitment to enhancing integration and coordination in the postal and telecommunications sectors. This contributes to keeping pace with technological transformations, developing services, consolidating Gulf integration, and achieving the shared aspirations of GCC countries and their peoples. (End) K.N.A. / N.S.A.
