ISLAMABAD: Saudi Press Attaché Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi on Monday conveyed Saudi Arabia’s eagerness to foster increased cooperation with private media in Pakistan in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations in the realm of media.
Briefing the media persons and highlighting the importance of this development, Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi said that Riyadh aspires to see a deepening of collaboration between private media institutions in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Such cooperation holds immense significance as both countries share a mutual interest in each other’s content, he added.
The press attaché emphasized the people’s desire in both nations to engage with the cultural offerings, especially dramas and films, from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said this collaboration aimed to meet this demand by facilitating the exchange of content between the media entities of the two countries.
Dr. Al-Otaibi said that Saudi Arabia envisioned a future where the exchange of films and productions between the two countries is increased. This will not only strengthen cultural relations but also provide an opportunity for both nations to showcase their rich histories and traditions through each other’s media platforms.
Expressing specific desires for collaboration, he said that Riyadh wanted to publish content in Pakistan that would contribute to enhancing the relationship between the two brotherly countries. It wanted to feature content that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, offering benefits to the Muslim Ummah and Arab states.
Increasing Cooperation Between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Dr. Al-Otaibi informed that Saudi Arabia extended invitations to Pakistani media organizations and journalists to cover important events and conferences, including pivotal gatherings during the Hajj season, political summits, and national day celebrations hosted in various cities in the Kingdom.
Underlining the strides made in Saudi Arabia’s media sector, he shared information about the establishment of a state-of-the-art studio covering six thousand square meters in Riyadh.
Moreover, he said a new institution with extensive archives of visual and audio content had been set up, catering to the needs of documentary makers and media professionals.
As part of future plans, Dr. Al-Otaibi announced the upcoming Saudi Media Forum, slated to be held in February 2024 in Riyadh, adding that this forum would bring together media professionals from around the world to discuss and exchange ideas on the evolving landscape of media.
He added that efforts were underway to complete the transition of prominent Saudi television channels, including Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, from Dubai to Riyadh, as this move would streamline operations and contribute to the continuous growth of the Kingdom’s media industry.
