Acting Minister of Media: Kuwait Committed to Enhancing Gulf Media Cooperation and Unifying Efforts to Face Challenges

From Khaloud Al-Ansari, Manama, October 28 (KUNA) – Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, reaffirmed today in Manama Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing media cooperation and integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and to unifying efforts to confront media challenges. This, he noted, contributes to consolidating the Gulf identity and highlighting the achievements and positions of the GCC states at both regional and international levels.

Al-Omar made these remarks in an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following his participation in the 29th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Media, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, a fraternal nation. He praised Bahrain’s efforts in organizing the meeting and commended the role of the GCC Secretariat General in supporting the trajectory of joint Gulf media work.

Al-Omar explained that the meeting addressed several topics and initiatives aimed at developing media content, strengthening media partnerships with fraternal and friendly countries, empowering media personnel, and leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence to keep pace with the rapid transformations in the media industry.

He emphasized the importance of continuing to support joint GCC media committees and working groups, and of translating recommendations and decisions into practical initiatives and programs that yield tangible results and enhance coordination and integration among media institutions in GCC countries. This, he added, supports the presence and impact of the Gulf media message.

He highlighted the crucial role of media in conveying facts, countering misinformation, raising public awareness, and supporting regional security and stability, reflecting the responsibility of Gulf media in addressing regional and international challenges.

Al-Omar stated that GCC Ministers of Media, in their statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, affirmed that cohesion and unity among the GCC states, their leaderships, and their peoples constitute a solid foundation for safeguarding security and stability and preserving Gulf achievements. They stressed that Gulf unity is a shared responsibility and a constant commitment among GCC countries, which grows in importance amid current circumstances to confront challenges and their repercussions.

The ministers also firmly rejected any actions aimed at undermining Gulf unity or offending the GCC states, their symbols, or their peoples. They emphasized the importance of intensifying the monitoring and documentation of violations committed through various media outlets and digital platforms, and taking necessary legal measures to hold perpetrators accountable by the competent authorities in each country, in accordance with national systems and relevant GCC decisions and regulations adopted by GCC states, following the procedures applicable in each country.

The ministers called on media institutions, media professionals, and social media users to adhere to their responsibilities, ensure accuracy, obtain information from official sources, and avoid publishing, disseminating, or circulating offensive or misleading content. They stressed that the sensitivity of the current phase necessitates concerted efforts to protect unity, consolidate fraternal bonds among the peoples of the GCC states, and support all initiatives that enhance their security and stability.

Al-Omar concluded his statement by reiterating Kuwait’s continued support for initiatives aimed at developing the Gulf media system and enhancing cooperation and coordination among GCC countries, in order to realize the aspirations of their leaderships and peoples, and to advance joint Gulf work toward greater integration and achievement.

The Kuwaiti delegation participating in the meeting, alongside Minister Al-Omar, included Deputy Minister of Information Nasser Muhaissen, Director of the Gulf Cooperation Council Media Affairs Department Fares Al-Anazi, Director of the Minister’s Office Abdullah Al-Harbi, and Minister’s Office Observer Mohammed Al-Haddad. (End) K.N.A. / M.A.A.