RIYADH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), signed an agreement on Saturday with Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja to expand cooperation between the two sides in holding cultural festivals and exhibitions inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
The ministry will, under the agreement, enlighten the public on the Kingdom’s antiquities and heritage as well as on the SCTA’s cultural programs. The two sides will also cooperate in developing cultural centers in different provinces of the country. During the signing ceremony, Majed Al-Shadi, director of information and public relations at the SCTA, gave a presentation on the commission’s information strategy for tourism and antiquities.
Speaking to reporters after signing the agreement, Prince Sultan emphasized Saudi Arabia’s cultural dimension in terms of its location, history and politics. “The public media can play a big role in projecting this important dimension,” he said. Sultan said there is good coordination between his organization and the ministry to inform the public on matters related to tourism and antiquities. “We also work together in strengthening the Kingdom’s tourism industry,” he said.
“Saudi Arabia is a land of Islam and economic progress. It has been playing an important political role in the region since time immemorial. Over the centuries, the Arabian Peninsula has been leading the world economy ... Islam arrived in a country with history and culture. So, I believe that we should highlight this dimension of Saudi Arabia.”
He disclosed plans to hold a number of exhibitions on Saudi antiquities inside the Kingdom and abroad. “The first such exhibition will be organized at Louvre Museum in Paris,” he pointed out.
Khoja commended the SCTA’s efforts to project the true picture of Saudi Arabia, and highlight its culture and heritage.
“Saudi Arabia is not only oil wells but also a land of culture, heritage and values,” he said. He also noted the Kingdom’s economic and political roles in the world. “Today’s agreement with the SCTA gives new dimensions to our existing cooperation.”
