Bahraini Minister of Transport and Communications: Gulf coordination enhances readiness and competitiveness of postal and telecom sectors - Sarmad

(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) countries to develop infrastructure and services. Such measures will enhance the readiness, competitiveness, and standing of GCC member states at both the regional and international levels.

His remarks came during his address as chairperson 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, and 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 Information 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). He looked forward to the continuation of this support in the coming period, which would contribute to enhancing 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. It also reviewed updates on joint Gulf initiatives and programs, as well as the outputs of 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 it embodies the GCC countries’ 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 member states and their peoples.