Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to continue to work jointly in harmony and unity as their bond is established by a common religion and spirit of brotherhood: Minister

Islamabad, February 17, 2014 (PPI-OT): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue to work jointly in harmony and unity as their bond is established by common religion and the spirit of brotherhood. Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Federal Minister for IB and NH said this in a meeting with his Saudi counterpart Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mohieddin Khoja, Saudi culture and information Minister.

He said that Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia are based on solid foundations of Islamic identity, shared cultural heritage and commonality of perceptions on all issues of international importance. Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that the relationship is also nurtured by love and reverence held by the people of Pakistan for Saudi Arabia, the country of holy land.

The Minister said that the media can be used as an effective tool in countering negative propaganda about Islam and building the true image of Ummah as a whole. The Minister also emphasized on the need to formalize the proposed idea of Pak-Saudi media friendship forum between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

This forum will not only prove instrumental in promoting bilateral ties but would also help in understanding each other’s culture, as it would create an opportunity for media persons for exchange of visits and learn from each other’s experiences and best practices, the Minister asserted.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that the present democratic Government believes in freedom of expression and considers media as its partner in the development of the country and in pointing out issues of public interest.

He also emphasized on the need for effective implementation of existing MOUs and projects of cooperation particularly in the field of culture and media and proposed to work on the joint productions, sharing information and news stories and making exclusive documentaries to depict the true image and culture of both countries.

Minister said that mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the field of media; culture and information would not only enhance bilateral ties but would also prove benevolent in boosting the image of Muslim Ummah.

Saudi Culture and Information Minister emphasized on the need of frequent visits by the leadership of both countries to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two brethren states. Saudi Minister also appreciated the level of independence provided to media in Pakistan and underlined the need to implement the existing level of cooperation.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mohieddin Khoja also invited Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Federal Minister for IB and NH to visit Saudi Arabia for the formalization of existing cooperation in the field of media between the two countries.

Earlier, the Minister received his counterpart and welcomed him in the Ministry of IB and NH. The both held an exclusive meeting in which cooperation in the field of media, information and culture was discussed.

A briefing on the working and functioning of ministry was also given to the Saudi Minister. Saudi Culture and Information Minister also paid a visit to PNCA and Lok Virsa Museum, where he witnessed exhibition of paintings, Quranic calligraphy and cultural performances by the local artists. Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mohieddin Khoja highly appreciated and commended the work of Pakistani artists.

The Minister hosted a lunch in the honour of the Guest and thanked him for visiting the Ministry of IB and NH and hoped that his visit would go a long way in furthering bilateral relations between both countries.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com