RIYADH, 12 December 2005 — The head of the German Information Centre visited the capital yesterday in his first visit to the Kingdom to promote better understanding between Germany and Saudi Arabia and to promote his country’s views on recent global issues.
Jurgen Bachmann told a press conference that part of Germany’s new strategy in deploying diplomats to the Arab world was ensuring they spoke Arabic so there would be no barriers between them and locals.
He also said that his center has established a website (www.almania-info.diplo.de) where people in the Arab world can access information about the country’s many policies toward current developments, particularly German-Arab issues. He said that, unlike other websites, this was the official website of the Republic of Germany. A monthly newsletter can also be sent to any subscriber to the website upon registration.
“We realize that most Internet users are from the young generation. The Internet itself crosses borders. And we would like to improve Germany’s image in the Arab world,” Bachmann said.
Bachmann added that his center has organized lectures and symposiums about subjects that concern both the Arab world and Germany.
He also said that the center seeks to send Arab journalists to Germany to get a better understanding of their country, not just in terms of policy making, but to familiarize them to its culture and people.
The official encouraged anyone who seeks to get information about the role Germany plays in the region go to the website where they can also leave any feedback regarding how his country could better promote understanding and nurture development of media ties.
“This is my first visit to the Kingdom. I have been to Doha, Manama and other Arab capitals and have spoken to ministers of information there on how we could further develop media ties and exchange information between the Arab world and Germany,” said Bachmann. “I have also presented to the ministers a brief documentary of the center’s mission to strengthen media relations in the Arab world.”
During his visit to the Kingdom, Bachmann met with Deputy Minister of Information Dr. Saleh Al-Namlah and discussed with him several areas of mutual interest.
