MANAMA: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the 29th meeting of the Ministers of Information of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, held in the Bahraini capital, Manama, on Wednesday.
The Sultanate of Oman’s delegation was headed by Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information.
The meeting was chaired by the Kingdom of Bahrain, as part of its presidency of the 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Ministers of Information of the GCC countries, stressed that the cohesion and solidarity among the GCC countries, their leaders, and their peoples constitutes a firm foundation for protecting security and stability and preserving the GCC achievements. They stressed that GCC unity is a shared responsibility and a firm commitment among their countries, the importance of which is increasing in light of the current developments.
The ministers also categorically rejected anything that undermines the GCC unity or offends the GCC states, their symbols, and their people. They stressed the importance of intensifying oversight and documentation of violations committed through various media outlets and digital platforms, and taking all necessary legal measures to hold perpetrators accountable by the competent authorities in each country. This can be achieved by applying national laws and relevant GCC resolutions and regulations adopted by the member states in accordance with the procedures followed 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 or circulating offensive or misleading content. They emphasized that the current circumstances necessitate concerted efforts to protect unity, strengthen fraternal ties among the peoples of the GCC states and support all that enhances their security and stability.
The Sultanate of Oman had earlier submitted an initiative regarding the establishment of unified guidelines for dealing with content published on social media.
The meeting also discussed ways to upgrade joint GCC action and enhance cooperation and integration among the GCC states, stressing the pivotal role of media in strengthening fraternal ties among the GCC peoples and highlighting developmental and cultural achievements.
The minister thrashed out mechanisms for developing joint media and increasing coordination among the GCC media institutions to keep pace with the rapid advancements in digital media and artificial intelligence technologies, and to unify media perspectives on national, regional, and international issues.
The ministers underscored the importance of the role of mainstream media outlets in conveying facts, preserving developmental gains, highlighting the humanitarian values embraced by the GCC states, and their commitment to establishing the foundations of peace, security, and stability.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
