The GCC Information Ministers have reiterated their firm position to deal with the calls that question the eligibility of the State of Qatar to organise the FIFA World Cup 2022.

They stressed full solidarity with the State of Qatar, urging the media in the GCC states to continue countering these campaigns whether at home or abroad, given the fact that the record to host the World Cup 2022 is an achievement to the entire the GCC bloc.

The ministers added in the recommendations of the 23rd sessions, being held in Doha - that the foremost duty of the media in the GCC member states is to highlight the unprecedented cultural and economic achievements and their positive impact on the youth in the GCC states.

They resolved that the State of Qatar in coordination with the General Secretariat will develop media strategy to counter such campaigns and reflect the international dimension in the media discourse to demonstrate the eligibility of the GCC countries represented by the State of Qatar to organise this important international event.

The ministers approved the Secretariat mechanism to implement a number of recommendations included in the media strategy calendar and submit them to the Ministerial Council for adoption, taking into account the number of points, including coordination between the Secretariat and the media institutions.

They also agreed on a discourse on the counter-terrorism, which requires a double effort from all media institutions in the GCC states in accordance with mechanisms in each state.

Regarding the external media, the ministers approved the Secretariat's memo regarding the resolutions of 29th meeting of the external media officials on participation of the GCC media in joint media activities at the sidelines of Expo every two years with effect from Expo Milano 2015, with the aim to highlight the GCC and its role in Expo events.

The external media officials will be tasked to coordinate with competent authorities in each state to present a specified view on the counter-terrorism efforts and extreme ideas that tarnish the image of Islam and Muslims.

At the conclusion of the meetings, the ministers sent the cables of thanks to Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Emir, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, on good hospitality and reception, which reflected positively on the event.

They also thanked Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and other Qatari officials, on good hospitality and reception accorded to the delegations, as well as hosting of the event.
Source: WAM