Cairo, Egypt – Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim, Dr. Ahmed Abul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, Dr. Hamza Mustafa, Minister of Information of the Arab Republic of Syria and President of the 55th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information, Dr. Ahmed Rashid Khatabi, Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League
Honorable Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, Excellencies, and Distinguished Colleagues,
Assalamu Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatu.
The Federal Republic of Somalia is honored to take part in the 55th ordinary session of the Arab Ministers of Information Council. I convey warm greetings and best wishes to the Council from the Somali people, government, and President, His Excellency Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. We also thank the League of Arab States and the people and government of Egypt for hosting us with their generous hospitality.
Above all, I express appreciation for the warm hospitality and for offering a forum where Arab media can gather to tackle common challenges, opportunities, and duties. Somalia renews its dedication to bolstering Arab media, maintaining professional standards, and fostering responsible media that advance Arab interests amid the fast-changing global media environment.
We acknowledge the vital role of media in promoting peacebuilding, development, human rights, and social unity.
Somalia upholds the highest professional standards, ethical journalism, and accurate reporting. We strive to promote media literacy, editorial independence, transparency, and accountability in our media sector. We will keep working with Arab media counterparts to share best practices, train journalists, and create sustainable media systems that support social and political stability.
We are achieving significant progress in peacebuilding and combating terrorist groups that endanger our people and regional security. We stand at a historic juncture: nationwide electionsour first in over fifty years. This achievement highlights the resilience and optimism of the Somali people and marks a revival of democracy in our nation. We kindly ask media across the Arab world to focus special coverage on this crucial event.
Somalia also renews its firm backing of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. We support the recent ceasefire and call for its complete and prompt enforcement of all reached agreements, with a strong pledge to a two-state solution based on international law, security, and mutual recognition. We urge all parties and the international community to engage positively, protect civilians, and pursue enduring peace in the region. We also call for humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian people without barriers. It is essential that assistance flows freely to ease suffering, shield civilians, and aid a dignified route to lasting peace and a fair settlement for everyone.
We further call for peaceful solutions to all other crises in the Arab world, enabling us to thrive together in peace and stability.
In the spirit of unity and partnership, Somalia aims to expand cooperation with Arab media organizations, policymakers, and bodies. We propose collaborative efforts in capacity building, investigative journalism, media ethics, election reporting, and conflict-sensitive coverage that aid stability and growth.
We encourage shared media ventures, training programs, and exchanges that enhance professional standards and responsible communication.
Somalia stays devoted to peace, democracy, and accountable media that benefit the people and common Arab goals.
We count on our Arab partners to keep aiding media growth in the region, promoting reliable coverage, and strengthening democratic principles. Let us unite to cultivate informed public debate, resistance to extremism, and a future where media enable citizens, safeguard rights, and promote shared aims.
Thank you, and may our partnership yield lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for the Arab world.
