Riyadh-Islamabad to switch on the channel for better ties

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.