THE GCC bloc is stronger than ever united in support of the Palestinian cause.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi told the Press yesterday that the six member-states, led by Bahrain, were entering the 33rd Arab Summit with a clear and unified vision on all topics and issues with the main focus on the Palestinian crisis.
He added that the bloc has a productive input in the 22-member Arab League and will continue presenting vital feedback, support and backup for all plans put on the table now and in the future.
He said that the summit’s schedule and the high-profile presence of Arab leaders indicate commitment towards a roadmap of stability and growth for years to come, something that GCC heads of state are working effortlessly to steer.
“The GCC plays an important political, social, cultural, financial and economic role in the region and the bloc today is stronger than ever to present solutions to sensitive and crucial matters in all fields,” said Mr Al Budaiwi.
“The success of the summit in Bahrain is a success of the six nations and we as a unit have prepared extensive and intensive implementable proposals for integration, development and security as the Arab world sails into a new prosperous era,” he added.
“The summit’s schedule is packed and whatever is agreed gives Arab states 365 days to see it turned into workable plans.
“We come here united as a GCC to support the Palestinian cause and it is our biggest cause as we work to end the barbaric Israeli aggression, attack and genocide in Gaza.
“We have as a GCC so far offered $100 million aid to Palestine, but with how things are going we believe that we need to push for international pressure as Israel continues to block humanitarian aid and support and is refusing to stop its unsanctioned military actions that flout international law.”
Mr Al Budaiwi was speaking as the Gulf Federation of Journalists, headquartered in Bahrain, launched its new identity, website and logo at the summit’s media centre at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa in Manama.
Present at the launch were Information Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi, federation chairman and Bahrain Journalists’ Association chairman Isa Al Shaiji, His Majesty King Hamad’s media adviser Nabeel Al Hamer and senior GCC General-Secretariat officials.
“We were very proud to have the federation headquartered in Bahrain and we are offering our utmost support for it to develop and grow,” said Dr Al Nuaimi.
“Bahrain has and will continue being a pioneering force in journalism under its comprehensive definition something numerously reflected by the Bahraini leadership and reflected through our commitment to the sector’s rise and progress,” he added.
“Bahrain hosts the Arab Summit and Manama is the Capital of Arab Media and later this month Arab information ministers will convene here for a conference.
“So we are on the right track to develop media not just in the GCC, but the whole Arab region.
“The Arab Radio and Television Corporation and the Gulf Radio and Television Corporation will see advancements. This month Bahrain will host the Dana Drama Award for GCC member states as an example of what is expected in growth plans.”
Dr Al Nuaimi added that there are numerous initiatives in the pipeline for the media sector that are set to be announced throughout the year.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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