Atbara, Jan. 29, 2026 (SUNA) – Minister of Culture, Information, Tourism and Antiquities Khalid Al-Eisir commended the Nile River State government for allocating land to establish a regional center for the National Radio and Television Corporation in Atbara, expressing satisfaction at laying the foundation stone for the project on Thursday.The ceremony was attended by Wali of the Nile River State Dr. Mohamed El-Badawi Abdal-Majid Abuqroun, State Minister of Culture, Information and Communications Mustafa Al-Sharif, and Artillery Corps Commander Maj. General Mohamed Al-Amin.In press remarks following the foundation stone laying, Al-Eisir said his visit falls within the framework of evaluating the performance of media institutions in the Nile River State, noting their role in projecting a positive and dignified image of the state. He explained that national media institutions — radio, television, and the Sudan News Agency (SUNA) — have received sustained support from the state government since April 2023.“We are proud of a creative and constructive partnership with the Nile River State that has translated into tangible achievements,” Al-Eisir said, noting that national media institutions have found a solid base and a supportive environment in the state to operate with high professionalism, free from central government interference.He extended his appreciation to the Wali and the state government for their continued backing of media institutions.Al-Eisir stated that the ministry seeks to entrench a model of horizontal expansion by diversifying national media platforms across Sudan’s states, with each platform aligned to specific economic sectors and productive partnerships.He added that the Ministry of Culture, Information, Tourism and Antiquities maintains a productive partnership with the Nile River State, stressing that the foundations of Sudan’s tourism sector are heavily concentrated in the state, citing Al-Bajrawiya, the pyramids, and other archaeological and tourist sites.“Our future vision is to develop a media role that runs in parallel with, and supports, the cultural and tourism track, particularly in promoting antiquities and archaeological exploration,” he said.Al-Eisir reaffirmed that the ministry will expand its presence in the states through a strategic approach aimed at equitable distribution of resources and influence in the media, cultural, and tourism sectors. He explained that new frameworks will be established to distribute state media channels based on economic output, with each state specializing in sectors linked to its productive strengths.He added that the ministry will work to revive theatrical activity, promote tourism, enhance attention to antiquities, and invest in human resources through training and capacity-building in media and creative fields.Al-Eisir concluded by announcing that the Nile River State will host a workshop in the coming period to activate tourism through media-focused initiatives.AS/BH