Egyptian, Saudi journalists call for promoting media cooperation

CAIRO - 26 February 2019: Egyptian and Saudi journalists called Monday for promoting media cooperation to face the challenges in the Arab world and to spread awareness facing the extremist thought.

This came on the sidelines of the Arab States-European Union summit held in Sharm El-Shiekh.

Chairman of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation Makram Mohamed Ahmed and Saudi Media Minister Turki al Shabanah pointed out that Egyptian and Saudi journalists have common interests, including the necessity of exerting efforts to upgrade the profession, especially with the rapid technological developments.

The meeting was attended by editors and journalists of the Egyptian and Saudi newspapers involved in covering the Arab-European summit.

Shabana said he seeks to enhance joint media action to realize more successes that serve the Arab world.

During the meeting, Saudi Minister of State for African Affairs Ahmed al-Qattan expressed his pleasure to have served as an ambassador to Egypt for 13 years, adding that he worked hard to support the bilateral relations in various fields.

Qattan stressed the importance of strengthening the bilateral relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, adding that Egypt with its civilization and history is the most important Arab country. He also stressed that relations between the two countries are currently witnessing the most prosperous phase.

Moreover, the Arab and African affairs association at the Syndicate of Journalists affirmed that the summit has succeeded in activating Arab-European dialogue.

In a statement, the association praised the unprecedented gathering of such a big number of Arab and European leaders and senior officials who were all keen to mull chances for enhancing joint dialogue and interests, MENA reported.

Head of the association Ashraf Badr said the summit reflected the important status of Egypt as a country seeking to achieve stability, security, and prosperity for all world peoples and fight terrorism, extremism and illegal immigration.

The importance of the summit relies in the fact that the EU gave up lecturing others and began taking part in an effective dialogue with the Arab side on all issues of mutual concern, most importantly on security, migration and economic development, he said.

Badr stated that Arab-European relations are starting a new stage of cooperation and partnership that will help both sides address challenges in a transparent way.