"It also offers an opportunity for Saudis to strengthen brotherly bonds and celebrate the occasion in a cultured manner, respecting the national flag," he said.
In a statement on the National Day, Al-Jasser underscored the support and care given by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to the information and cultural sector. "Saudi Arabia has entered the community of modern media," he said. "We have been applying advanced technology to improve media services," he said.
The deputy minister said the Kingdom's electronic and print media organizations have been distributing a huge amount of information. The launch of new generation satellites has provided wide and varied options for the Saudi media thanks to the king's generous support, he explained.
Al-Jasser praised King Abdullah's political, economic and social reforms, including the introduction of national dialogue forums, partial elections to the municipal councils and chamber boards, and launch of giant economic cities. He highlighted the Kingdom's increasing political and economic importance on the global stage and leading position in the Islamic world.
The king opened new areas of objective dialogue through the media and promoted a culture of respecting others’ views, he said. The Kingdom also promoted moderate views on the basis of the Qur'an and Sunnah and in the light of a series of moral and humanitarian values that regulate and inspire the country's media and cultural activities.
During King Abdullah's era, Saudi cultural activities spread in the Kingdom and abroad. "We have been able to get rid of the rigid unilateral viewpoints and thoughts through a series of reforms that covered both the media and culture."
Al-Jasser underscored the remarkable progress achieved by the Saudi media under the guidance and directives of King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, and Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif. He expressed hope that the Kingdom would achieve greater progress and prosperity, playing an important role in supporting the causes of Islam and Muslims. "We also hope that Saudi Arabia would become an example to be followed for development work," he added.
