‘Arab media is key to raising awareness on extremism, terror’

Cairo / WAM

Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Chairman of the Board of Director of National Media Council (NMC), stated that the vision and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership emphasise moderation and tolerance while highlighting the importance of the role of the Arab media in raising awareness about all forms of hatred, extremism and terrorism.
He made this statement while leading the UAE delegation that participated in the meeting of the Arab Ministers of Information Council, which was held on Wednesday at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. Al Jaber said that the Council’s meeting was held after the Arab Summit in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, titled “Jerusalem Summit,” as part of an initiative by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who has always prioritised Jerusalem and the Palestinian issue.
The initiative requires the Arab media to support the outcomes of the summit, especially those related to the Palestinian issue and the Arab identity of occupied East Jerusalem, the capital of Palestine, he added.
He stressed that the Arab region has always been moderate and tolerant, and the Arab media is responsible for promoting and reinforcing this approach among Arab communities, especially the youth, to protect them from ideas that terrorist groups are trying to promote while affirming that the battle against these ideas is continuing.

Al Jaber further added that terrorist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, are using the media to promote hatred, extremism and terrorism, as well as the Arab youth for purposes that have nothing to do with Islam, which requires further efforts and developing a media culture based on solid principles, to show that these ideas are deceitful and do not reflect Islam.

He also highlighted the importance of supporting a balanced Arab media that calls for peaceful coexistence, acceptance of others, positivity, tolerance and innovation, to benefit Arab countries and people, as well as countering the media attacks of Iran, through media outlets backed by Tehran, which aim to threaten the security and stability of the Arab region and intervene in Arab internal affairs.

He called on Arab counties to combat Iran’s expansionist policy and its repeated threats to the region, by promoting coordination and cooperation to prevent Tehran from carrying out its subversive agenda.

Al Jaber explained Iran’s intervention in Yemen, its support for the Houthi militias and its plan to implement its agenda in the region while affirming the UAE’s complete support and assistance for the legitimate Yemeni government.

He also noted the support of Morocco in countering Iran’s intervention and support for the Polisario Front while adding that the UAE has supported the Moroccan media in countering the threats to the country’s security and stability.

Al Jaber further said that media is key to defending the Arab region, and its professionalism can promote its role and positive impact while noting the importance of implementing and committing to the Media Honour Charter, which will ensure the presence of an Arab media that represents Arab identity and defends Arab national achievements.

The council discussed a range of issues related to the Arab media and its role in combatting terrorism.