JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture and Information on Monday held its annual ceremony to honor the media and cultural delegations covering the Hajj season this year.
During the ceremony, Minister of Culture and Information Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad conveyed the greetings of King Salman and the crown prince to the delegations.
The minister stressed that the Kingdom has the honor to serve the Two Holy Mosques and make use of all its material and human resources to care for pilgrims and looks forward every year to achieving the best level, and providing the best services that help pilgrims to easily perform their duties.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Culture and Information is happy to host and provide technical services necessary for all media and intellectuals, so they are able to perform their duties in covering the Hajj and its blessed rituals.
Al-Awwad stressed that the Kingdom strives to unite ranks and achieve security and peace in various parts of the world, and to fight terrorism that targets Islam and works to distort its image. He noted that terrorism targeted the holiest places but God has defeated its evil. He stressed that the media should be a tool to combat extremism, terrorism and hate speech, and that it should convey the message of peace and spread love and coexistence.
He thanked the media for the efforts exerted and the excellent coverage of the Hajj season, which contributed to the integrated media coverage that allowed the world to know about this great event, and follow the news of pilgrims and share their stories and spiritual experiences through the provision of media platforms with a global dimension.
He also praised the role played by the local media and the Saudi press in highlighting the vital aspects of all the distinguished services provided in all fields by the government of the King Salman.
Al-Awwad considered the local press as one of the main partners in the local and international media in continually keeping up with events and developments.
Other speakers representing Arab, Asian, European and African delegations, delivered speeches in which they expressed thanks for the generous invitation and hosting of the media delegations covering the Hajj season this year.
They congratulated King Salman and the crown prince on the success of the Hajj this year, pointing out that it was a special season. They highlighted the role of the Kingdom and the services it provided, and the projects carried out, which had a great impact on enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals.
They stressed that Saudi Arabia represents the heart of the Islamic world and senses hopes and pains of Muslims everywhere, and strives to achieve unity, cooperation and solidarity in the Islamic world, and to achieve security and peace in the whole world.
Saudi Information Ministry praises media role during Hajj
Saudi Information Ministry praises media role during Hajj
Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat
MUSCAT: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Oman’s Foreign MinisterSayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al-Busaidi on Monday.
They reviewed bilateral relations between their nations and ways to enhance and develop them across various fields. Additionally, they discussed regional and international developments.
The ministers co-chaired the third meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of the heads of the Council’s subsidiary committees and the two heads of the Council’s General Secretariat teams.
The meeting comes as an affirmation of the keenness of Saudi and Omani leaders to strengthen ties and advance them toward greater prosperity for both nations.
In his remarks during the meeting, Prince Faisal affirmed that gathering builds on the previous council meeting, held last year in AlUla, and on its positive and fruitful outcomes within the framework of the approved recommendations and initiatives.
He stressed the importance of continuing the work of the council’s subsidiary committees to complete the necessary procedures to implement the remaining initiatives, and of the General Secretariat’s role in follow-up and in addressing any challenges that may hinder implementation.
He also underscored the importance of developing and enhancing trade relations, stimulating investment, and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.
He also praised the ongoing work to establish and launch the Coordination Council’s electronic platform, which aims to connect all committee work and initiatives to facilitate follow-up on the Council’s progress.
Al-Busaidi affirmed in his remarks the qualitative progress in relations between the two countries and the notable development witnessed across numerous sectors toward achieving economic integration and enhancing intra-trade and joint investments.
The Omani foreign minister also highlighted deeper cooperation in the security and judicial fields, as well as the cultural and tourism sectors, noting the advanced and continuous political cooperation, consultation, and coordination on regional and international issues.
