ARAB MEDIA FORUM LAUNCHED:
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, during the opening of the 17th edition of Arab Media Forum in Dubai on Tuesday. —
Saudi Arabia’s new rise will contribute to the region’s prosperity despite not making peace with Qatar, said a Bahraini diplomat at the 17th Arab Media Forum on Monday.
Speaking at the main session, Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain, said the current situation shows no indication of a peace agreement with Qatar anytime soon, adding that a fresh equation is needed to change the situation.
“We have previously signed two joint security agreements with Qatar in 2013 and 2014. Will we go back to signing another agreement? The answer is no, we need a new equation,” said Al Khalifa.
He was speaking to a crowd of delegates including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
The forum, under the theme ‘Impactful Media Trends,’ addressed media responsibilities in an everchanging digital era with the presence of over 2,500 prominent regional and international media figures and thought leaders.
New openness, positivity
During his address, Al Khalifa stressed on the historic relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, through which both countries coordinate on regional affairs and exchange views and expertise.
“There’s a general positivity towards
As long as Iran changes its policies and chooses to open doors with us, it will be for everyone’s own good and we will not shy away from building bridges.” Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain
what’s happening in Saudi. We will see a leap in the economic, arts and social life of Saudis, who have incredible energy to exert in different fields. Now is their time,” said Al Khalifa.
Saudi Arabia’s new rise will add to the region’s prosperity and utilise its youth’s talents, he added. “The main challenge the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is currently facing is that of prosperity and development. The rest is simple and can be solved.”
Al Khalifa said that the GCC is capable of facing the region’s current challenges with a strong core that will not be shaken from interrupted relations with one country.
On relations with Iran, Al Khalifa stressed on handling the situation with care and being prepared to take action when our regional security is threatened.
“Iran had wanted to claim Bahrain and acted as a threat to the regime for years. When our governments reconciled, Iran became a friend and an ally. We never felt threatened although it was creating a big army and a nuclear programme,” said Al Khalifa.
However, he said the GCC faces two challenges with Iran, including its claim on three of the UAE’s islands and its attempt to control and interfere in the Gulf ’s affairs and threaten the region’s stability. But “as long as Iran changes its policies and chooses to open doors with us, it will be for everyone’s own good and we will not shy away from building bridges,” added Khalifa.
He also praised the UAE, saying it has inspired the Bahraini leadership and spirit, commending the country’s continuous focus on progress.
Media in a fix
Al Khalifa also emphasised that today’s media is not in crisis, but “going through a sensitive time of development and transformation”.
“Fake news is a challenge but is not a general transformation of media. Our media personalities are continuously progressing and are adhering to media ethics and transparency.”
But when it comes to fake news disguised under freedom of speech, the diplomat said the best solution is taking legal action. Media should deliver mes- sages in a professional way the public understands.
The two-day Arab Media Forum features 50 speakers, representing 20 countries from across the Arab region and the globe. It takes a close look at the impact of the Arab region’s recent developments on the media.