Ashraf AboArafe
The leaders of the Arab countries adopted the statute of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, at the 33rd meeting of the Arab League Council at the summit level, which was held in the city of Manama in the Kingdom of Bahrain on Thursday 8 Dhul-Qi’dah 1445 AH corresponding to May 16, 2024 AD. The League Council welcomed the Kingdom of Arabia’s proposal. Saudi Arabia establishes the Ministerial Council.
The Council’s bylaws stipulate that the Council will work under the umbrella of the University Council, and will take the city of Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as its permanent headquarters, and the Council will have a general secretariat and an executive office in the country of headquarters. The Council is responsible for a number of tasks, including drawing up general policies and developing strategies and priorities that would develop joint Arab action in cybersecurity, enhancing cybersecurity initiatives and programmes, as well as considering all cybersecurity topics and developments at the security, economic, developmental and legislative levels.
In this regard, His Excellency the Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Cybersecurity Authority, indicated: Dr. Musaed bin Muhammad Al-Aiban pointed out that the Kingdom’s proposal to establish the Council comes in light of the increasing cyber threats around the world, and because it has become a threat to the stability of countries and hinders their development plans. On this occasion, he raised the highest expressions of thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. And to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect them – for the support, wise directives and continuous follow-up, and their keenness – may God support them – to support and sponsor everything that would enhance joint Arab action and preserve Arab security and stability.
It is worth noting that the Council was established based on a proposal submitted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and it was supported by all Arab countries. The Council will work to achieve a number of goals, including developing and strengthening cooperation, coordinating efforts between Arab countries in all aspects related to cybersecurity issues, and exchanging Knowledge, expertise, studies and experiences related to cybersecurity, and working to protect the interests of the League’s member states in international organizations related to the field of cybersecurity, through joint coordination and unifying the Arab position regarding cybersecurity before international organizations and entities, in addition to contributing to access to cyberspace. A safe and reliable Arab country that enables growth and prosperity for all member states.
