The Rseaux IP Europens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) recently approved an invite to join the Arab Internet & Telecom Union as an observing member, which will assist the organisation to involve with the significant players associated with developing the Internet market in the Arab region.

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

Paul Rendek, RIPE NCC Director of External Relations stated: "The development of the Internet sector between East calls for reliable cooperation amongst a number of key stakeholders. The most recent efforts of RIPE NCC and ARISPA are testimony to the boosted relevance offered to infrastructure as key to growth by the region's major Internet players. The MoU gives a platform for both events to explore areas of teamwork and push for innovation, especially the fostering of IPv6 in the region."

Feras Bakkour, Secretary General of ARISPA, commented: "ARISPA welcomes the partnership with RIPE NCC as a strategic action that can broaden both our duties in more establishing Internet connection in the region. As a new member of the Arab Internet & Telecom Union, the RIPE NCC provides valuable support in our initiatives to enhance Internet connectivity in the region and move our participation to a greater level of coordination and integration."

During the 7th General Assembly meeting of the Arab Internet & Telecommunications Union kept in Beirut, Lebanon recently, the RIPE NCC presented on key variables influencing Internet connection and given insights on exactly how these impacted business continuity. RIPE NCC and ARISPA also accepted fulfill in December this year to prepare for several tasks to be kept in the region in 2018, including training and working as a consultants for participants given by RIPE NCC.