Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim
Dr. Ahmed Abul Gheit, the Secretary General of the Arab League
Dr. Hamza Mustafa, the Minister of Information of the Arab Republic of Syria, and the President of the 55th Session of the Council of Ministers of Information of the Arab League
Dr. Ahmed Rashid Khatabi, the 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, are honored to participate in the 55th ordinary session of the Arab Ministers of Information Council. I extend heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the Council from the people, the government, and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Our gratitude also goes to the League of Arab States and to the people and government of Egypt for hosting us and for their generous hospitality.
First and foremost, I express gratitude for the gracious hospitality and for providing a platform where Arab media can convene to address shared challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities. Somalia reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Arab media, upholding professional values, and helping to build responsible media that serve Arab causes while adapting to the rapid evolution of the global media landscape. We recognize the essential role media play in peacebuilding, development, human rights protection, and social cohesion.
Somalia is dedicated to the highest professional standards, ethical journalism, and factual reporting. We aim to advance media literacy, editorial independence, transparency, and accountability within our media landscape. We will continue to collaborate with Arab media partners to exchange best practices, train journalists, and develop sustainable media ecosystems that contribute to social and political stability.
We are making meaningful strides in peacebuilding and in the fight against terrorist networks that threaten our people and regional security. We stand at a historic threshold: universal suffrage elections—our first in more than half a century. This milestone reflects the resilience and hope of the Somali people and signals renewed democracy in our country. We respectfully urge media outlets across the Arab world to give special attention to covering this pivotal moment.
Somalia also reaffirms its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. We welcome the latest ceasefire and urge full and immediate implementation of all agreements reached, with a firm commitment to achieving a two-state solution grounded in international law, security, and mutual recognition. We call on all parties and the international community to remain engaged constructively, to protect civilians, and to work toward lasting peace in the region. We also urge humanitarian efforts to provide unimpeded assistance to the Palestinian people. It is imperative that aid flows without obstruction to relieve suffering, safeguard civilians, and support a dignified path toward lasting peace and a just resolution for all.
We also urge peaceful resolution to all other crises in the Arab world, so that we may prosper together in peace and stability.
In the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, Somalia seeks to broaden collaboration with Arab media outlets, policymakers, and institutions. We envision joint initiatives in capacity building, investigative journalism, media ethics, election coverage, and conflict-sensitive reporting that contribute to stability and development. We welcome joint media projects, trainings, and exchanges that reinforce professional excellence and responsible messaging.
Somalia remains committed to peace, democracy, and responsible media that serve the people and shared Arab interests. We rely on our Arab colleagues to continue supporting media development in the region, to amplify credible reporting, and to reinforce democratic values. Let us work together to foster informed public discourse, resilience against extremism, and a future where media empower citizens, protect rights, and advance common objectives.
Thank you, and may our cooperation bring enduring peace, stability, and prosperity to the Arab world.