Somalia Assumes Chairmanship of 56th Session of Arab Information Ministers Council

CAIRO (SONNA) – The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Abdifatah Kasim Mohamud, has assumed the chairmanship of the 56th Ordinary Session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, held in Cairo, Egypt.

In his address, Minister Abdifatah conveyed greetings from the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to strengthening Arab cooperation and advancing collaboration in the media sector.

The Minister expressed Somalia’s readiness to work with member states to build on previous achievements and translate shared priorities into practical measures that advance Arab media and respond to the aspirations of their peoples.

He highlighted the role of the media in state-building, safeguarding sovereignty and national unity, supporting reconciliation and countering extremist ideology.

Drawing on Somalia’s experience, he emphasised that media institutions play an essential role in strengthening statehood, protecting national sovereignty and unity, and promoting reconciliation and peace.

Minister Abdifatah also called for greater exchange of expertise among Arab countries in countering terrorist propaganda and disinformation. He stressed the importance of advancing journalist training, fact-checking and professional safety, as well as developing digital media and the use of artificial intelligence while safeguarding information credibility, privacy and creators’ rights.

On the Palestinian issue, the Minister reaffirmed Somalia’s continued support for the rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. He also underscored the responsibility of the media to report violations, amplify Palestinian voices and protect the safety of journalists.

Concluding his remarks, Minister Abdifatah said Somalia would work with member states and the General Secretariat throughout its chairmanship to follow up on key resolutions, identify implementation measures and assess progress, ensuring that Arab media cooperation delivers tangible results.