Key initiatives launched to enhance media ties with China during Al-Dossary’s visit

Saudi Gazette report

BEIJING — Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary concluded on Sunday a visit to Beijing, which has contributed to strengthening media ties with China through a series of significant initiatives launched in the framework of the Saudi-Chinese Media Partnership.

Key outcomes of the visit include agreements and executive programs, and the launch of the Chinese version of the “Saudipedia” encyclopedia. Al-Dossary held discussions with Chinese media officials, key figures from various media organizations, and investors.

He met with Minister of the State Council Information Office of China Mo Gaoyi, with whom he discussed collaboration in media, exchange of expertise, and means to boost cooperation in media technology. He also held talks with National Radio and Television Administration Director Cao Shumin. During the visit, the Saudi Press Agency and China’s Xinhua News Agency agreed to an executive program, and agreements were reached between Saudipedia and several Chinese entities, such as Baidu and Shanghai Media Group’s CLS platform.

The minister also met with academics, and attended a session of Saudi students learning the Chinese language. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding (MoU)was signed by Saudipedia and key educational and media players; the signing ceremony was attended by Saudi diplomats.

The minister discussed with Weibo’s CEO Gaofei Wang boosting digital media cooperation, and witnessed the launch of official accounts on the platform by the Saudi Ministry of Media, SPA, and Saudipedia.

Al-Dossary also visited the headquarters of People’s Daily, where he met with the newspaper’s President Yu Shaoliang and several other leading figures. Discussions focused on increasing media and publishing collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China, within the shared vision regarding cooperation.

The accompanying official delegation also visited the headquarters of the China Film Group Corporation and of Xinhua News Agency. Workshops were held on the sidelines of these visits with Chinese companies, institutions, and investors in the media sector. The partnership tour concluded with the Saudi-Chinese Media Evening, hosted by the Ministry of Media, in collaboration with the IW Partners. The event aimed to boost media partnerships and foster friendship between the two nations.

The evening was attended by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, officials, media professionals, companies, and investors in the media sector.

Al-Dossary delivered a speech on the occasion, in which he highlighted the depth of Saudi-Chinese relations, which are characterized by trust, solid friendship, and fruitful cooperation.

He said: “We view China as a key partner in the Saudi Vision 2030, and we are committed to enhancing our collaboration in various fields, including media and technology. Today, more than ever, we place great trust in the Saudi-Chinese relationship, considering it one of the most enduring and mutually respectful partnerships.”

“China is a strategic and vital partner; we are eager to benefit from China’s expertise in media and technology, and explore joint projects. I would reiterate the vast opportunities available to Chinese investors and companies in Saudi Arabia, and invite them to explore the Kingdom’s immense market potential,” he said.

Al-Dossary highlighted the potential to develop opportunities that not only drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s media sector but also contribute to the prosperity of the Middle East and North Africa. “I hope today’s meeting will mark the beginning of more mutual visits and exchanges, broadening the horizons of our partnership and fulfilling the aspirations of our two friendly peoples,” he said.

The delegation accompanying the minister included several media leaders, including Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, Saudi Press Agency Acting President Ali Alzaid, General Authority for Media Regulation CEO Dr. Abdullatif Al-Abdullatif, Deputy Minister for International Media Relations Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi, and Editor-in-Chief of Saudipedia Hamed Alshehri.