Atta Tarar Saudi ambassador meeting; Agreement on exchange of Pak-Saudi writers, artists, musicians, media representatives

Saudi ambassador stressed need to further promote cooperation in cultural events, arts, literature and media sectors

Islamabad: Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Pakistan Raja bin Tami Al-Baqmi met with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar in which agreement was reached to further promote cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in information, broadcasting, media and cultural sectors.

In meeting, introduction of Pakistani dramas in Saudi Arabia, exchange of delegations of writers, poets, artists, musicians, media representatives and digital content creators of both countries was also discussed.

Attaullah Tarar said that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are touching new heights. There are vast possibilities of cooperation between both countries in sectors of media, culture, drama, music, tourism and public contacts.

He said that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia span several generations and this relation is not merely diplomatic or political but has strong foundations at historical, religious and public level. Defense agreement of Makkah between both countries reflects strong partnership regarding defense cooperation.

Information Minister said that under dynamic leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has made remarkable change in economic and cultural field. Promotion of tourism in Al-Ula city of Saudi Arabia and highlighting historical and cultural importance of Diriyah in modern manner are prominent examples of Saudi leadership's vision.

He stressing need to introduce Pakistani dramas in Saudi Arabia said that Pakistani dramas reflect family values, eastern traditions and Islamic culture. Attaullah Tarar also invited Saudi media representatives, tourists and digital influencers to visit various tourist places of Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan is country having immense natural beauty and historical places regarding tourism. In meeting, emphasis was also laid on prevention of false information and negative propaganda, making fact-checking system effective and cooperation in preparation of content reflecting common cultural values.

For this purpose Information Minister proposed to establish joint working group, in which focal persons and technical teams of both countries will be included. He also informed Saudi ambassador about measures regarding public awareness and publicity of important government measures by utilizing capabilities of social media influencers.

According to him, social media post issued regarding Prime Minister Fuel Relief Scheme was viewed more than 8 million times. During meeting Attaullah Tarar also mentioned Pakistani citizen Farman Ali Khan residing in Saudi Arabia, who sacrificed his life while saving lives of several persons during flood in Jeddah in 2009.

Saudi Ambassador Raja bin Tami Al-Baqmi termed strong brotherly relations, mutual trust, respect and political and military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as proud-worthy. He stressed need to further promote cooperation in cultural events, arts, literature and media sectors between both countries. At beginning of meeting Information Minister congratulated and welcomed Saudi ambassador on his appointment in Pakistan.