Riyadh, December 13, 2021, SPA -- Acting Minister of Media and Chairman of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi in Riyadh patronized the inauguration of the 41st Session of the General Assembly of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU). On this occasion, Dr. Al-Qasabi delivered a speech welcoming the participating delegations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, appreciating their presence in their second country and interaction with the meetings of the 41st Session of the General Assembly and the 106th meeting of the Executive Council of ASBU and their preparatory meetings, expressing hope to continue exerting efforts to develop the status of the Arab media internationally. He also highlighted the importance of the pivotal role of media in directing global policies and decision making, which stresses the significance of joint action to keep pace with the latest developments and benefit from digital technologies in delivering messages to the world. Dr. Al-Qasabi also thanked ASBU, represented by former ASBU president Mohammed bin Abdulmuhsen Al-Awwash and all leaders of the union, looking forward for this session to realize outcomes that can serve the progress of the joint Arab media action. He also noted that the Arab media enjoys expertise and efficiencies and always proves that it deserves a prestigious global status that suits it in light of the great movement that we witness towards realizing a better future for our Arab countries and peoples. For his part, the Elected President of the Executive Council of ASBU Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi said: "The world today is living an era of digital transformation that opened new scopes and big challenges at the same time, the most important of which is the audience's shift to digital platforms that took advantage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and controlled the scene." The inauguration ceremony witnessed several events that highlighted the change stage being experienced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and included the screening of a documentary on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts in facing the pandemic. Meanwhile, ASBU announced electing Al-Harth as president of the union for two years after the election stage that Al-Harthi won unanimously to assume the post and succeed Al-Awwash of Kuwait. Also, ASBU Director General Abdulrahim Suleiman expressed appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and acquainted attendees with the role and achievements of the union throughout the past period. At the end of the ceremony, the Acting Minister of Media honored the former president of ASBU, his two deputies, ASBU Director General, among other eminent persons who contributed to enriching the Saudi and Arab media. In turn, ASBU also honored Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi for the distinguished efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia to host and contribute to the success of the Union’s work. --SPA 16:13 LOCAL TIME 13:13 GMT 0013 www.spa.gov.sa/w1664642