BEIRUT, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese caretaker Information Minister Ziad Makary on Tuesday launched the "Beirut, Capital of Arab Media 2023" activities, in a bid to reinforce Lebanon's Arab identity.

Hundreds of politicians, diplomats and media representatives attended a ceremony held in Lebanon's capital Beirut under the auspices of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the National News Agency reported.

"We want the celebration to be an energy of relief, hope, and a gateway to the return of the Lebanese-Arab relations to their natural course," Makary said at the ceremony.

The Arab Information Ministers Council decided on Sept. 22, 2022 to name Beirut as the "Capital of Arab Media 2023," which aims to consolidate the ties between Lebanese and Arab media.

"I appeal to all our Arab brothers that this year will be the year of Arab openness between our Arab capitals, and let us make this year's motto a culture that unites us and not ignorance that separates us," said Makary.

"We want a purposeful media that advocates for Arab causes and wins over them, a media that sheds light on peace, not wars, a media that champions people, women, children and youth. We want a media that promotes a culture of openness and closes the door on isolation," he added.

During the celebration, the Beirut Document was launched, including articles on freedom of expression, digital development, the rights of media professionals, respect for privacy, rejection of discrimination and combating false news, and protection of the Arabic language.

It also called for passing legislation to protect media institutions, newspapers and websites, promoting investigative journalism, and protecting intellectual property for media professionals.