GCC Secretariat General: Gulf Media Ambitions Aim to Consolidate the Council's Regional and International Standing

Manama, October 28 (KUNA) -- The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Bedaiwi, said here on Wednesday that “our ambition for Gulf media does not stop at excellence and leadership, but extends to becoming an effective force in shaping awareness, generating influence, and consolidating the position of our member states in the regional and international landscape.”

This statement was made during Al-Bedaiwi’s address at the 29th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Media Council, held under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Minister of Information, Dr. Ruman Al-Nuaimi, and attended by the media ministers of the member states, including Omar Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture.

Al-Bedaiwi stressed that “our shared responsibility requires us to make our media a unified Gulf voice, present with confidence, influential through professionalism, and capable of defending our countries’ interests, safeguarding their gains, and highlighting the civilizational and developmental renaissance achieved by our nations, in line with the aspirations of our wise leadership, may God protect and preserve them, and reflect to the world the reality that our countries represent a firm model of stability, security, progress, and prosperity.”

The Secretary-General reiterated his strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian aggression against GCC member states, describing it as a violation of their sovereignty and a threat to their security and stability. He affirmed the unity of the Gulf position and the unequivocal rejection of any infringement on the security of our countries and the integrity of their territories.

He also strongly condemned the terrorist attacks launched by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including attacks on holy sites, which constitute a blatant violation of international laws and norms. He expressed full solidarity with the Kingdom in all measures it takes to protect its security and sovereignty.

In this context, Al-Bedaiwi proudly noted that the media outlets in GCC member states have proven themselves capable of meeting national responsibility since the onset of Iranian aggression against our countries. They have been at the heart of the action, standing alongside our valiant Gulf armed forces in a single trench, defending the truth, debunking misleading narratives, and countering biased rumors with professionalism and competence.

He pointed out that Gulf media, through its pioneering institutions and distinguished national cadres, has provided an exemplary model of responsible media during crises, combining rapid response with accuracy, transparency, and effective, reliable communication with the public. It has served as a voice for truth, a source of trust and reassurance, and a solid support for our domestic front.

He stated that this outstanding performance confirms that our Gulf media is not merely a conduit for events, but a genuine partner in protecting our countries’ security and stability, embodying their unity and the cohesion of their peoples, and safeguarding their gains in the face of challenges.

He also noted that GCC member states have achieved a prominent media presence in recent years, based on established media institutions, distinguished national expertise, growing capabilities in content production and digital media, and accelerated investment in modern technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence in translation, newsroom support, automation of media workflows, and content creation. This has been confirmed by numerous statistics and studies.

He added that the status achieved by the GCC member states, along with the transformations and achievements they are witnessing and their growing presence on various regional and international issues, empowers Gulf media to enhance its regional and international presence and highlight the visions, positions, and initiatives embraced by our countries. He emphasized that our experience and gains form a strong foundation for transitioning Gulf media to a more integrated, innovative, and influential stage, thereby strengthening the presence of our Gulf media message and showcasing our shared Gulf achievements.

He noted that, in this context, efforts related to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Media Content Guidelines acquire particular significance as a practical step toward enhancing content quality, preserving Gulf identity and values, and providing a common ground that responds to the rapid developments shaping the media landscape. He expressed his anticipation for the decisions and recommendations of the 29th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Information, which he said would constitute an important addition to the trajectory of Gulf media cooperation and propel it toward broader horizons of integration and excellence. (End) K.N.A. / M.A.A.