Qatar Press Center (QPC) hosted a high-level media dialogue featuring Syrian Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa, joined by editors-in-chief of Qatari newspapers.
The session, held in Doha, aimed to strengthen Arab media co-operation and to discuss the future of journalism in the region.
The Syrian delegation included Laila al-Rifai, media adviser at the Ministry of Information; Alaa Borsilo, director general of the Syrian Radio and Television Authority; and Mohammad Tafran, assistant minister for Digital Media. They were welcomed by Saad bin Mohammed al-Rumaihi, chairman of the Qatar Press Center, and Director General Sadiq Mohammed al-Omari.
In his opening remarks, al-Rumaihi emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, stating that the centre seeks to be a platform for professional Arab dialogue and media integration amid fast-changing industry dynamics.
Minister al-Mustafa expressed gratitude for the warm reception, noting that the relationship between Qatar and Syria transcends politics. “Qatar never treated us as outsiders and stood by the Syrian people during critical times,” he said.
He acknowledged Syria’s past media challenges, admitting that national media had become overly propagandistic and had lost professional credibility. However, he highlighted an ongoing restructuring process aimed at rebuilding Syrian media on professional, ethical, and balanced grounds. “We support press freedom but are keen to prevent it from descending into chaos,” al-Mustafa said.
He further revealed that Syria is reopening its print media sector, starting with Al-Thawra newspaper’s return this September, and emphasised openness to distributing Qatari newspapers and other reputable publications within Syria.
On the topic of drama production, the minister recognised the setbacks caused by limited national production in recent years. He welcomed potential partnerships with Qatar, especially in light of a memorandum signed to establish a media production city. He praised Qatari historical drama for successfully combining mass appeal with meaningful messaging.
During the Q&A session, Arrayah Editor-in-Chief Abdullah Taleb al-Marri asked how Syria plans to manage social media content and reform its press in this transitional phase. He also asked about prospects for Qatari-Syrian co-operation in drama. Al-Mustafa responded by stressing the importance of building ethical media content across all platforms and reiterated Syria’s openness to collaboration.
Al-Sharq’s Jaber al-Harami stressed the need for national unity, calling for responsible media that upholds Syria’s territorial integrity. The minister echoed this sentiment, stating that internal files — like the complex situation in Sweida — are being handled through dialogue. He added that confronting regional threats, particularly from Israel, requires national, non-sectarian media.
Al-Watan’s Mohammed Haji raised concerns about freedom of expression and opposition voices. Al-Mustafa confirmed the government has received over 330 new media licence applications and recently launched a media city to support independent outlets.
Gulf Times Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka highlighted the importance of foreign language media to reshape Syria’s international image. The minister said Syria is developing its English-language media and now favours a strategy of “correction over censorship.”
Closing the session, al-Rumaihi called for a culture of responsible freedom in the Arab press. Minister al-Mustafa agreed, affirming Syria’s commitment to reducing sectarian rhetoric and rebuilding a media landscape that reflects the unity of Syrian society.