Tarar seeks stronger Pakistan-Saudi cooperation in media and culture

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar urged closer cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in media, culture and people-to-people contacts on Tuesday, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.

Tarar made the remarks while meeting Saudi Ambassador Rajeh Tami Albugamy, who called on him in Islamabad.

He said relations between the two countries are reaching new heights and that there are wide opportunities in drama, music, tourism and cultural exchanges.

Tarar said the Makkah Defence Agreement reflects a strong partnership between the two countries in defence cooperation.

He said the relationship, which spans generations, rests not only on diplomatic and political ties but also on historical, religious and people-to-people bonds.

Both sides agreed to promote further cooperation in information, broadcasting, media and culture.

The meeting stressed the need to introduce Pakistani dramas in Saudi Arabia, which Tarar said reflect family values, Eastern traditions and Islamic culture.

He proposed exchanges of delegations including writers, poets, artists, musicians, media representatives and digital content creators.

Tarar also invited Saudi media representatives, tourists and digital influencers to visit tourist destinations in Pakistan, saying the country has immense natural beauty and historical sites.

He stressed the need for cooperation to counter misinformation and negative propaganda, strengthen fact-checking and produce content reflecting shared cultural values.

Tarar proposed a joint working group of focal persons and technical teams from both countries to pursue these goals.

The Saudi ambassador described the brotherly relations, mutual trust and political and military cooperation between the two countries as a source of pride.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long shared close religious, cultural and economic ties, and many Pakistanis live and work in the kingdom.