UAE, December 3, 2017– The Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) recently accepted an invitation to join the Arab Internet & Telecom Union as an observing member, which will help the organisation to engage with the major players involved in developing the Internet sector in the Arab region.

The invitation was extended by the Arab Regional ISPs and DSPs Association (ARISPA), which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the RIPE NCC back in January 2017 that was focused on training and capacity building efforts to support the development of the Arab Internet community.

Paul Rendek, RIPE NCC Director of External Relations said: “The development of the Internet sector in the Middle East requires effective collaboration among a number of key stakeholders. The latest efforts of RIPE NCC and ARISPA are testament to the increased importance given to infrastructure as key to growth by the region’s major Internet players. The MoU provides a platform for both parties to explore areas of cooperation and push for innovation, particularly the adoption of IPv6 in the region.”

Feras Bakkour, Secretary General of ARISPA, commented: “ARISPA welcomes the partnership with RIPE NCC as a strategic move that could expand both our roles in further developing Internet connectivity in the region. As a new member of the Arab Internet & Telecom Union, the RIPE NCC provides valuable support in our efforts to improve Internet connectivity in the region and move our cooperation to a higher level of coordination and integration.”

During the 7th General Assembly meeting of the Arab Internet & Telecom Union held in Beirut, Lebanon last week, the RIPE NCC presented on key factors affecting Internet connectivity and provided insights on how these affected business continuity. RIPE NCC and ARISPA also agreed to meet in December this year to plan for several activities to be held in the region in 2018, including training and consultancies for members provided by RIPE NCC.