Addressing the over 2,500 delegates at the second Government Communication Forum on Sunday, the Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdodan said that the governments should foster a better understanding with their people and should join hands with them to work together.

The key focus of the two-day forum, which was inaugurated by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is that the existing principles of government communication should switch from "talking to people" to "talking with people."

In his speech pivoting around the importance of verbal interaction, Erdodan said that, in today's world of communication technology, it is essential to remember that it is sincere and truthful words that form the core of effective communication.

Stressing on the significance of bringing about improvements in methods of communication between governments and their people, particularly against the backdrop of the noteworthy changes taking place in the world as a whole, specifically the Arab region, Erdodan said communications must help the governments in getting closer to their people, for the purpose of understanding each other and working together.

Expressing a similar opinion, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan - who was one of the special guests at the forum - said: "Effective communication leads to cooperation and trust, which is key to successfully tackling global challenges."