Saud Al-Shakhi, general manager of the Ministry of Information and Culture’s Makkah branch, and Abdullah bin Mohammed Aloiyan, general manager of the Labor Ministry’s Jeddah branch, visited Pakistan Consul General Aftab Khokher’s residence on the occasion of Saudi National Day.
Celebrations and talks of mutual cooperation took place on Thursday.
“We are honored that the Pakistani Consulate celebrated our National Day at the residence of the Pakistan Consul General. I would like to extend our gratitude on behalf of the Saudi government, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, governor of the Makkah region and Prince Mish’al bin Majed, governor of Jeddah. We have very strong and brotherly relations between the two countries, which work hand in hand for the security and progress of the two countries,” said Al-Shakhi.
Other dignitaries included Mohammed M. Al-Juhani, honorary consul of the Republic of Congo, Anwar Ashaqi, chief of a strategic think tank center, Talal Abdullah Samarkandi from the JCCI, diplomats and community members.
Khokhar welcomed guests and extended his appreciation to the government and people of the Kingdom from the government and people of Pakistan on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 83rd National Day.
“This is also a day of happiness for the people and the government of Pakistan, as well as for Pakistanis living in the kingdom. We join in celebrations on this historic day, along with the people, the royal family and the government of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“We are two sides of the same coin and as such, we share in each other’s happiness and pain. Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan’s statement that ‘Saudi Arabia’s security is a red line for Pakistan’ is a manifestation of this important relationship,” he said.
“National Day reminds us of the unification of Saudi Arabia by the late King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud under the banner of the green flag. The Kingdom is working under the strong and wise leadership of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in the interest of Saudi nationals and residents under Adil Fakieh, minister of labor, and the JCCI,” he said.
He also offered condolences on the earthquake that recently struck Pakistan.
Anwar Ashaqi said that the security of the two countries are interrelated and that the strategic relationship between the two countries is strong.
Terrorism, he said, does not come from inside Pakistan.
Mohammed Aljuhani also said that the two countries enjoy excellent relations.
Tawqeer Hyder and Riyaz Kaifi recited poems on Saudi Arabia.
New heights of Pak-Saudi relations celebrated
New heights of Pak-Saudi relations celebrated
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
- Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
