Bahrain highlights media, tolerance at Tokyo GCC Days

Manama, April 23 (BNA): The Information Affairs Authority (IAA) is taking part in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Days held in the Japanese capital Tokyo. The three-day event that includes economic, political and media conferences aims to consolidate cooperation, friendship and open dialogue between the GCC countries and Japan. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. “The GCC Days seek to highlight the Gulf identity and the myriad of achievements accomplished by the GCC countries,” Maysa Abdullateef Al Thawadi, the head of the IAA Follow Up Directorate, said. “They also foster friendship and bolster ties with the countries where they are held. It is a rich intercultural exchange with a human dimension that promotes understanding among nations and tolerance between peace-loving people.” Media and economy figures, diplomats and academics from the Gulf and Japan are taking part in the GCC Days held on April 22-24. “The first conference addresses economic cooperation between the GCC and Japan and ways to reinforce them and to boost the exchange of expertise in various economic areas,” Maysa said. “The second conference will focus on consolidation cooperation in higher education, scientific research, technology transfer and on the GCC efforts to elevate the status of dialogue among civilizations,” she said. The third conference sheds light on ways to enhance media cooperation and the role of the media in boosting understanding and managing various situations. “Bahrain will present a paper on the role of the media in dealing with natural tragedies and man-made disasters,” Maysa said. Mohammed Taher Al Qattan, the head of religious affairs at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, will talk in his remarks on behalf of Bahrain about the GCC efforts in boosting dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions. Several cultural and recreational activities are being held on the sidelines of the GCC days as a means to highlight the Gulf culture and identity. “The GCC Days in Tokyo will be the tenth to be held by the GCC countries. Previous days were organised in Paris, Brussels, Berlin, The Hague, Madrid, Rome, London and Seoul. The last GCC Days were in the Swedish capital Stockholm in November 2013,” Maysa said.