ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in information, broadcasting, media, culture and public relations, with a focus on expanding people-to-people contacts and promoting cultural exchanges.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy on Tuesday.
Welcoming the ambassador to Pakistan and congratulating him on his diplomatic assignment, Tarar expressed 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, Tarar said the defence agreement reflected the strength of their cooperation in the defence sector.
He also highlighted the remarkable transformation Saudi Arabia had undergone in economic and cultural spheres under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He cited the promotion of tourism in AlUla and the modern presentation of the historical and cultural significance of Diriyah as prominent examples of the Saudi leadership’s vision.
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 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, Tarar said his act of bravery represented the enduring bonds of love, solidarity and brotherhood between the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
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He 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.
Tarar 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, the minister 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.
