Minister of Media and Culture: Necessity of enhancing Gulf cultural convergence and consolidating shared identity to face challenges
Acting Minister of Media and Culture emphasizes the need to consolidate a shared identity to face challenges.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
From Khaloud Al-Ansari, Manama, Nov 5 (KUNA) – State Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, stressed today in Manama the importance of continuing efforts to enhance cultural convergence among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, describing it as a shared priority that contributes to consolidating the Gulf cultural identity, strengthening solidarity and cohesion among GCC states, addressing challenges, and deepening communication and understanding among their peoples.
Al-Omar made these remarks in an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of his participation in the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Culture, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
He noted that culture represents one of the fundamental pillars for enhancing convergence among GCC countries and consolidating fraternal relations between their peoples, emphasizing the importance of intensifying cultural cooperation, exchanging expertise and experiences, and developing joint initiatives and events that reflect the richness of the Gulf cultural heritage and align with the aspirations of the coming stage.
The State Minister pointed out that the aggression experienced by the region, which targeted GCC countries, underscores the importance of strengthening Gulf cohesion and solidarity, and adhering to unity of ranks in the face of challenges. He added that cultural convergence and communication among the peoples of GCC countries constitute a fundamental pillar for consolidating fraternal bonds and enhancing awareness of the shared Gulf identity.
He expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the meeting and for its excellent organization and preparation, while also commending the role played by the GCC Secretariat General in following up on the implementation of decisions and enhancing coordination and cooperation among member states to serve joint Gulf cultural efforts.
The meeting addressed several agenda items related to enhancing Gulf cultural cooperation and developing joint work mechanisms, foremost among them the annual plan for joint cultural events and activities, the culture statistics platform, book exhibitions, international cooperation in the cultural field, and the issuance of the third edition of the GCC Writers’ Guide.
The meeting also discussed the Gulf Action Plan for Cultural and Creative Industries for the period (2027–2030), the Translation and Arabization Center and the promotion of the Arabic language, as well as enhancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities in joint Gulf cultural events, following up on the implementation of decisions from the previous meeting, and several other topics related to developing cultural work among GCC countries. (End) K.N.A. / H.S.S.
