Bahraini Deputy PM: Media and Digital Integration Enhances Regional and International Competitiveness

Manama, October 28 (KUNA) -- Bahraini Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, thanks to the wise visions of their leaders, possess the advanced qualifications and experiences necessary to deepen Gulf integration in the media and digital sectors, and to highlight developmental achievements, thereby enhancing the standing and competitiveness of GCC states at both the regional and international levels.

Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that these remarks were made during a meeting between Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi at Qasr Al-Qutaybi Palace on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by the heads of delegations participating in the 29th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Media Affairs Committee and the 10th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Digital Government Committee, including State Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture Omar Al-Omar.

Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah emphasized that the Kingdom of Bahrain attaches great importance to the media and e-government sectors, given their pivotal role in keeping pace with rapid transformations and leveraging modern technologies to develop services and expand communication channels with society, in line with aspirations and to meet needs.

The Bahraini Deputy Prime Minister pointed out during the meeting the numerous strategic commonalities shared by the media and digital government sectors in GCC countries. He noted that both sectors share a common goal: serving the Gulf citizen by utilizing modern technology and artificial intelligence to build a secure and trustworthy media and digital space.

He praised the honorable stance and responsible national role played by Gulf media institutions and outlets during the period of the despicable Iranian aggression, noting that Gulf media has proven to be one of the first lines of defense for the sovereignty, security, and stability of our homelands. It has succeeded in conveying facts and enhancing social cohesion, thereby embodying the shared destiny of the Gulf and affirming that the security of GCC states is indivisible.

He commended the significant steps taken by GCC countries in the field of comprehensive digital transformation, the development of technical infrastructure, and the integration of electronic government services. In this regard, he stressed the importance of continuing to exchange expertise and coordinate Gulf digital policies to improve government performance efficiency and facilitate the processing of transactions for citizens and residents.

He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the two meetings would contribute to advancing Gulf cooperation in the media and digital fields to higher levels, and wished the delegation heads every success in their deliberations.

For their part, the heads of the Gulf delegations expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister for the warm reception, reaffirming their commitment to further enhancing coordination and cooperation among GCC countries and building on the shared achievements attained. They wished the Kingdom of Bahrain continued progress and prosperity. (End) K.N.A. / M.A.A.