Joint Statement by the State Ministry of Information and Media Authorities

alhadath – cairo

Based on an invitation from the State Minister of Information, the State Ministry of Information and Egypt’s media authorities have decided to issue a joint statement on behalf of the following entities:

• The Ministry of State for Information
• The Supreme Council for Media Regulation
• The National Press Authority
• The National Media Authority

The statement reads as follows:

We have been closely following the recent developments in the Egyptian and Arab media landscape, which have witnessed negative phenomena and media practices that offend and harm the longstanding and deeply rooted relations between Egypt and certain brotherly Arab countries. In this regard, the signatories to this statement affirm the following:

First: The relationship between Egypt and the brotherly countries currently facing Iranian aggression (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the Republic of Iraq, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) is one of firmly established brotherhood. These ties exist at the leadership, official, and popular levels, as well as through family connections, intermarriage, and a shared destiny and future. These relations have been affirmed and strengthened by both distant and recent historical events, and forged through the positions and crises that the Arab region has endured over the past eight decades. They have proven to be the cornerstone for safeguarding the interests of the Arab nation and the vital interests of its states.

From this perspective, any attempt to undermine these relations is a crime that seeks to harm both the individual interests of these countries and the collective national interest of the Arab nation. Such attempts are immoral and entirely rejected on ethical, national, and patriotic grounds.

Second: The signatories call upon all media professionals in Egypt and in the brotherly countries to immediately cease these disputes, which are not based on any facts or realities, and to refrain from actions and reactions that do not reflect the deep fraternal spirit binding our peoples together.

There is a need to prioritize reason and preserve the enduring bonds that have always existed—and will continue to exist—among brothers. What is currently happening are temporary incidents that will not, in any way, affect the historical path of unity and cohesion among our peoples and nations.

The participants in this statement also specifically call on intellectual elites and opinion leaders in Egypt and the brotherly countries to play their role in extinguishing this discord, blocking attempts at incitement and division, which serve only the enemies of this nation—foremost among them forces of evil and terrorist groups that exploit such circumstances to sow division between Egypt and its Arab brothers.

They further urge all citizens in Egypt and the brotherly countries to be cautious of rumors, falsehoods, mutual insults, and fabricated incidents circulating on social media, which are intended to ignite discord among brothers. Citizens are encouraged to refrain from engaging in such exchanges and not to be drawn into conspiracies aimed at undermining unity and cohesion.

Everyone is advised to rely solely on official statements issued by the relevant authorities in Egypt and the aforementioned brotherly Arab countries regarding developments and positions, and to disregard any other suspicious sources that spread false information.

Third: The entities participating in this statement have decided, effective immediately, to utilize all provisions available under Egypt’s public law, as well as the laws and regulations governing each of these bodies, to regulate media performance in accordance with legal and professional standards. This is aimed at preventing harm to national interests, avoiding offenses against brotherly countries or their officials, and safeguarding Egypt’s relations with them.

At the same time, the signatories call upon the relevant authorities in the aforementioned brotherly countries to take similar measures, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations, to extinguish this discord, protect the interests of the Arab nation, prevent offenses against Egypt or its officials, and preserve relations between Egypt and all brotherly countries.

May God protect Egypt and its brothers from all harm, and safeguard their unity and solidarity in the face of all challenges and circumstances