ISLAMABAD: With an eye on improving bilateral ties with Pakistan’s newly-formed government, Saudi Arabia on Saturday said that it was looking to explore areas of mutual cooperation, especially in the media and culture sectors.
Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad, the kingdom’s information minister, also commended Pakistan for its “very energetic government”. “We discussed the changes in the media outlets and the new devices, [and the advancements in] Internet [connectivity], moving away from the traditional media to the new media,” Al-Awwad told Arab News on the sidelines of a dinner hosted by Nawaf Al-Malki, the kingdom’s ambassador to Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and other officials also attended the meeting. Al-Awwad said that, as part of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s 2030 vision, Pakistan would have a huge role to play in the transformation and progress of Saudi Arabia.
He emphasized the role of digital media in helping people from both countries participate in a cultural exchange, in a more robust manner. “Through the media, we want the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to know each other’s culture, especially through dramas and movies,” he said.
Adding that “there is room for improvement”, Al-Awwad said he was looking forward to Chaudhry’s support to streamline the process. “There is a need for both Islamabad and Riyadh to work in tandem to further deepen ties. We need to work together to explore new areas of cooperation,” he said.
Al-Awwad said a visit by Prime Minister Khan would seal the deal. “We are looking forward to the visit. In this regard, the time and announcement will be left to the diplomatic channel,” he said.
Riyadh-Islamabad to switch on the channel for better ties
Riyadh-Islamabad to switch on the channel for better ties
- Saudi Information Minister seeks more cooperation in media, culture sectors
- Dramas and movies can help people from both countries understand each other better, he says
Expo 2030 Riyadh signs strategic partnership with Saudi Media Forum
- Under the partnership, Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as the SMF’s “foresight partner,” in line with the event’s “Foresight for Tomorrow” theme
RIYADH: Expo 2030 Riyadh has formalized a strategic partnership with the Saudi Media Forum as organizers step up preparations for event.
The agreement was signed on Monday during a ceremony attended by Talal Al-Marri, CEO of the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company, and Mohammed Al-Harthi, chairman of the Saudi Media Forum and president of the Arab States Broadcasting Union.
Under the partnership, Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as the SMF’s “foresight partner,” in line with the event’s “Foresight for Tomorrow” theme.
The collaboration will also see the expo play a prominent role in this year’s forum, which is currently taking place until Wednesday, highlighting its significant by engaging with Saudi Arabia’s media ecosystem.
SMF has also committed to supporting Expo 2030 Riyadh through opportunities across leading media outlets throughout the year, aiming to strengthen engagement with audiences across the Kingdom.
“Our partnership with the Saudi Media Forum is a key enabler as we progress toward delivering Expo 2030 Riyadh,” said Al-Marri.
“By working closely with a vital platform whose reach extends across the Kingdom, we are strengthening our ability to communicate (the) expo’s vision, purpose and legacy. Through this collaboration, we are looking forward to engaging audiences in Saudi Arabia to build momentum and reinforce the impact of Expo 2030 Riyadh beyond the event itself.
Al-Harthi said the agreement underlined the importance of media in supporting major national initiatives.
“Expo 2030 Riyadh is a significant moment for Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi Media Forum is proud to support its success by amplifying its story and contribution to the Kingdom,” he said.
