ISLAMABAD, Nov 03 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the fields of information, broadcasting, media, culture and public relations. During a meeting with the Saudi ambassador, the minister welcomed him to Pakistan and congratulated him on his diplomatic assignment, expressing confidence that his tenure would further …
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to enhance cooperation in media, culture, tourism
ISLAMABAD, Nov 03 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the fields of information, broadcasting, media, culture and public relations.
During a meeting with the Saudi ambassador, the minister welcomed him to Pakistan and congratulated him on his diplomatic assignment, expressing confidence that his tenure would further strengthen the longstanding ties between the two countries.
The minister said Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were reaching new heights, with vast opportunities for expanding cooperation in media, culture, drama, music, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
He said the relationship between the two countries spanned generations and was rooted not merely in diplomatic and political engagement but also in shared history, religious bonds and strong public connections.
Referring to the strategic partnership between the two countries, the minister said the defence agreement reflected the strength of their cooperation in the defence sector.
He observed that under the dynamic leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia had undergone remarkable transformation in economic and cultural spheres. The promotion of tourism in AlUla and the modern presentation of the historical and cultural significance of Diriyah were prominent examples of the Saudi leadership’s vision, he added.
Emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy, Tarar stressed the need for joint initiatives to promote cultural cooperation and introduce Pakistani television dramas in Saudi Arabia.
He said Pakistani dramas reflected family values, eastern traditions and Islamic culture and could serve as an effective medium for bringing the people of the two countries closer.
The minister also proposed exchanges of delegations comprising writers, poets, artists, musicians, media professionals and digital content creators to strengthen cultural and professional linkages.
Highlighting Pakistan’s tourism potential, he invited Saudi media representatives, tourists and digital influencers to visit the country’s diverse tourist destinations and explore its natural beauty and historical heritage.
Recalling the sacrifice of Pakistani national Farman Ali Khan, who lost his life while saving several people during the 2009 floods in Jeddah, the minister said his act of bravery represented the enduring bonds of love, solidarity and brotherhood between the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The minister also emphasised cooperation to counter misinformation and negative propaganda, strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and develop content reflecting the shared cultural values of the two countries.
He proposed the establishment of a joint working group comprising focal persons and technical teams from both sides to pursue practical cooperation in these areas.
Briefing the Saudi ambassador on Pakistan’s use of social media influencers for public awareness and the promotion of key government initiatives, Tarar said a social media post regarding the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme had received more than eight million views.
The Saudi ambassador described the strong brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, based on mutual trust, respect and political and military cooperation, as a matter of pride.
He emphasised the need to further expand collaboration between the two countries in cultural events, arts, literature and media.
