Saudi Minister Of Media Salman Al-Dossary Concludes Visit To Beijing, Strengthening Media Relations With China

Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary recently wrapped up a visit to Beijing, aimed at enhancing media relations with China. The trip resulted in several key initiatives under the Saudi-Chinese Media Partnership. These included agreements, executive programs, and the launch of a Chinese version of the "Saudipedia" encyclopedia.

During his visit, Al-Dossary engaged in discussions with various Chinese media officials and investors. He met with Mo Gaoyi, Minister of the State Council Information Office of China, to discuss media collaboration and technology cooperation. Talks were also held with Cao Shumin, Director of the National Radio and Television Administration.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and China's Xinhua News Agency agreed on an executive program. Additionally, Saudipedia reached agreements with Chinese entities like Baidu and Shanghai Media Group's CLS platform. A memorandum of understanding was signed by Saudipedia with key educational and media players, witnessed by Saudi diplomats.

Al-Dossary also met with academics and attended a session where Saudi students were learning Chinese. Discussions took place with Weibo's CEO Gaofei Wang about boosting digital media cooperation. The Saudi Ministry of Media, SPA, and Saudipedia launched official accounts on Weibo during this visit.

The minister visited People's Daily headquarters, meeting President Yu Shaoliang and other leaders to discuss increasing media collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China. The shared vision focused on enhancing cooperation in publishing and media sectors.

The official delegation also toured the headquarters of China Film Group Corporation and Xinhua News Agency. Workshops were conducted alongside these visits involving Chinese companies, institutions, and investors in the media sector.

Celebrating Partnerships

The partnership tour concluded with the Saudi-Chinese Media Evening hosted by the Ministry of Media in collaboration with IW Partners. This event aimed to strengthen media partnerships and foster friendship between both nations. Attendees included Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, officials, media professionals, companies, and investors.

In his speech at the event, Al-Dossary emphasized the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and China based on trust and cooperation. He stated: "We view China as a key partner in the Saudi Vision 2030." He expressed commitment to enhancing collaboration in fields like media and technology.

Future Prospects

Al-Dossary highlighted China's strategic importance as a partner for joint projects in media and technology. He invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia's market. "China is a strategic and vital partner; we are eager to benefit from China's expertise," he said.

The minister underscored potential opportunities that could drive growth not only in Saudi Arabia's media sector but also contribute to prosperity across the Middle East and North Africa region.

"I hope today's meeting will mark the beginning of more mutual visits," Al-Dossary added. He expressed optimism about broadening partnership horizons to meet aspirations of both nations' peoples.

The delegation accompanying Al-Dossary included several prominent figures such as Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi from Saudi Broadcasting Authority, Ali bin Abdullah Alzaid from SPA, Dr. Abdullatif bin Mohammed Al-Abdullatif from General Authority for Media Regulation, Dr. Khalid bin Abdulqader Al-Ghamdi from International Media Relations, and Hamed Alshehri from Saudipedia.

With inputs from SPA