Egyptian Communications and Information Technology Minister Rifat Hendy met with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in several areas, including artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Ambassador to Qatar Walid Feki. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 26th Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is being held in Doha, Qatar, from November 9 to 27.
The two ministers explored opportunities for cooperation in areas such as digital infrastructure, digital transformation, capacity building, research and development, artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and postal services. They also reviewed the results of coordination between the two ministries, which led to the preparation of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in these areas, pending signature. The ministers emphasized the importance of coordinating Arab positions in international forums on artificial intelligence governance.
Hendy and Al Mannai discussed the exchange of experiences and experiments in research and development and applications of artificial intelligence. They also touched on providing opportunities for young people in both countries to benefit from initiatives and efforts being implemented in these areas. Additionally, Hendy met with South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technology Information and Communication Bae Kyung-hwan to review cooperation prospects.
Hendy also met with Mohammed bin Omar, Secretary-General of the Arab Organization for Communication and Information Technologies. They discussed the organization's role in supporting Arab cooperation in communications and information technology. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the ministry and the organization, particularly in areas such as digital trust and electronic signatures.
During his stay in Doha, Hendy participated in a meeting with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and several heads of delegations. He promoted Egypt's candidacy for a seat on the ITU Council. In his speech, Hendy highlighted Egypt's active role in the ITU and its council. He also mentioned Egypt's hosting of several international ITU events, including the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) and the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-23).
Hendy emphasized that Egypt's participation in the ITU goes beyond membership to include collaborative work and building trust and consensus around common goals among member states. He expressed Egypt's aspiration for the support of member states for its re-election to the ITU Council. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation and commitment to supporting the ITU's success.
The meetings were attended by several officials, including Egyptian Ambassador to Qatar Walid Feki, National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority CEO Mohamed Shmarokh, and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology officials. Hendy's participation in the ITU conference included delivering a speech and holding several bilateral meetings with ministers and government officials.
Key points
- Egypt and Qatar are exploring ways to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
- The two countries are working on a memorandum of understanding to solidify their cooperation in areas such as digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship.
- Egypt is promoting its candidacy for a seat on the ITU Council, emphasizing its active role in the organization and its commitment to collaborative work among member states.
