Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — A specialized team tasked with preparing the Arab Cybersecurity Strategy met in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss the strategic objectives proposed by the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers.

During the meeting chaired by Saudi Arabia, five major elements of the Council's proposal were discussed. They include enhancing cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, strengthening Arab cyber resilience in the face of cyber-attacks, working to build human capacity and develop the cyber industry, and harmonizing cyber legislation and frameworks among the member states.

The Arab Cybersecurity Strategy aims to achieve the Council's objectives set forth in its bylaws, approved by the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level, which include a secure and reliable Arab cyberspace that promotes growth and prosperity for all member states.

In addition to developing and strengthening cooperation and coordination among Arab countries in all aspects related to cybersecurity issues, the Council wiil strive to protect the interests of the League's member states in international organizations related to cybersecurity by unifying the Arab position.

Representatives of cybersecurity agencies in Arab countries, the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States also participated in the meeting.

The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers comprises Arab ministers concerned with cybersecurity. Its bylaws were adopted pursuant to a decision by the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level. It operates under the umbrella of the Council of the League of Arab States, formulating general policies and developing strategies for joint Arab action.

The Arab Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity held its first meeting last December, attended by officials concerned with cybersecurity from Arab League member states, along with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The meeting discussed the preparation of the Arab Cybersecurity Strategy, the holding of joint cyber exercises, and a set of working papers submitted by member states of the League of Arab States, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in the field of cybersecurity at the Arab level.