Dubai: A high-level team from the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) has wrapped up a tour of the European Union, exploring opportunities and cooperation with leading media and cultural organisations in France and Belgium.
In Paris, the team met with Emmanuel Hoog, chairman and chief executive of Agence France-Presse (AFP), the third largest news agency in the world.
Led by director-general of GDMO Mona Al Merri, the team discussed new opportunities for cooperation with AFP arising from the growing digital transformation of media and the increasing consumption of media content through digital channels.
The meeting also explored ways of enhancing interaction and cooperation between the two sides.
In another meeting, the GDMO team met with Jack Lang, who previously served as France’s Minister of Culture, Communication and Education.
Lang is currently the president of Institut Du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute), an organisation focused on disseminating knowledge and awareness about the Arab world and its cultural and spiritual values.
The team also met with Guy Berger, director of Freedom of Speech, Expression and Media Development, Unesco. The meetings discussed ways of expanding collaboration and knowledge sharing in the areas of communications and media.
“Our meetings in France were part of our effort to build a dialogue with media and thought leaders in the European Union. The GDMO constantly seeks to explore mutually beneficial partnerships with media and knowledge-based organisations across the world.
“During our discussions, we shared a wide range of ideas and insights on how we can work together to shape the future of communications and media. We also sought to showcase the exceptional environment that Dubai offers to foster media industry excellence, innovation and creativity and its efforts to drive sustainable economic development,” said Al Merri.
Earlier this week, the GDMO team also visited Belgium where they met with policymakers, key executives of the European Commission, and media industry and thought leaders.
The GDMO director-general expressed her gratitude to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the ambassadors of the UAE to France and Belgium and the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) for the support they extended to the GDMO for the successful organisation of the visit.
She said that GDMO’s partnership with the EDA played a key role in the success of its Europe visit. The GDMO partners with EDA to deliver exclusive training programmes for members of the Dubai Media Diplomacy and Communication Network.
