Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, on Friday, updated about his visit to Saudi Arabia and meeting with Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al-Saud lauding her as a strong , dynamic and clear headed ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Unites States, while truly reflecting the inclusion of women in strategic affairs under the leadership of Saudi Arabia.
In a tweet, he said, “Back in Islamabad after a very pleasant visit of Riyadh where I had the honour of attending inaugural ceremony of Culture Ministry headed by a dynamic and spirited HRH prince @BaderAlSaud. HRH is frontline warrior of HRH Mohammad Bin Salman for his vision of cultural revolution in KSA.”
“Another highlight of the visit was brief meeting with Princess @rbalsaud a strong, dynamic and clear headed ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to United States of America, impressive princess truly reflects the women inclusion in strategic affairs of kingdom under the leadership of King Salman and HRH Crown Prince #MBS,” he further said.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and now Imran Khan took the relations to further height
Pakistan would support Saudi Arabia in promotion of culture and “We have offered to provide services of Pakistani artists, calligraphers, actors, film directors and the Saudi Minister of Culture warmly responded,” said Fawad. The minister said that exchange of dramas with Arabic and Urdu dubbing, will take place between the two countries. The Saudi minister had promised to take up the matter of availability of Pakistani dramas and entertainment on the flights of Saudi Airlines.
Prince Badr bin Abdulllah had a great relationship with Pakistan, adding since Imran Khan assumed the office of Prime Minister, there was a new warmth in the relationship of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince said he was ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia which showed the strength of relationship between the leadership of the two countries, he observed.
During the recent tensions after the Pulwama incident, the role of Saudi Arabia was appreciable as it helped reduce tensions and Saudi Foreign Minister visited Pakistan and India and played his due role. Besides the political and strategic ties, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were tied in bonds of culture and religion, so Saudi Arabia was keen to develop relations with Pakistan where culture would be a foundation.
Fawad said the condition of visa and fees for Saudi citizens had been abolished and now they could get visa at the airport and this would help promote tourism in Pakistan.
Pakistan established contacts with the Arab world, right after the independence and Saudi Arabia was among those few countries which recognized Pakistan immediately and the ties were established in 1951. The ties became strong during the period of Shaheed Zulfikar
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and now Imran Khan took the relations to further height, he added. The minister said in 1971, Pakistan was the third biggest film maker in the world, however unfortunately in 2005 not a single film was made, adding, “Now we are reviving the cinema and presently few films were being made in Pakistan, however, Saudi Arabia and China had agreed to allow screening of Pakistani movies in their cinemas”, he said. Saudi Culture minister wanted cooperation of Pakistani cinema owners in setting up cinema halls in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Exchange of dramas with Arabic and Urdu dubbing, will take place between the two countries
He recalled “When Pakistani films were screened alongside Indian films in local cinemas, the Pakistani films did better business. For examples, two films “Punjab Nahi Jaoun Gi” and “Teefa in Trouble” did business of Rs 520 million and Rs 460 million respectively and Indian movies were not even close in terms of business.” India and United States were ruling the world of cinema and Pakistan has to create its space. Unfortunately after 1971, our cinema is on decline and for the first time, we have tried to get the cinema on its feet, he added.
Lastly, Fawad appreciated the two million strong Pakistani Community in Saudi Arabia for its enormous contribution to economy of Pakistan as they send home one fourth of the total remittances.