Saudi Arabia on Monday signed a headquarters agreement with the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, under which the Council will designate the city of Riyadh as its permanent headquarters.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the first regular session of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, which commenced Monday in the Saudi capital, also includes the Council’s affiliated bodies, including the General Secretariat and the Executive Office, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The Council was established based on a proposal put forward by Saudi Arabia to comprise Arab Ministers responsible for cyber security affairs. It falls within the scope of the Arab League and operates under the umbrella of the League’s Council. The council’s Tasks include formulating general policies, developing strategies, and setting priorities to enhance joint Arab cybersecurity work.
The Council also addresses all cybersecurity issues and developments related to security, economic, developmental, and legislative aspects. It is responsible for approving joint Arab cybersecurity plans for implementing the endorsed policies and strategies.
Furthermore, the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council has approved the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih as the Council’s Secretary-General for a five-year term.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Eng. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, chaired the first regular session of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council, which commenced on Monday in Riyadh.
The session was attended by distinguished officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
The Council made several key decisions, including starting work on preparing the Arab Cybersecurity Strategy, approving the appointment of the Secretary-General and members of the executive office of the Council, organizing joint cybersecurity exercises, and adopting the Council’s structure and work mechanisms.
The Council also discussed the latest developments in cybersecurity at the security, economic, and developmental levels, as well as areas of cooperation with international organizations concerned with cybersecurity, all aimed at enhancing cybersecurity at the Arab level.