RIYADH: Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Farooq, participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Shared Voices: Literature and Art as Bridges of Culture and Understanding’ at the annual Riyadh Book Fair. The event, which was well-attended by Saudi youth, literature enthusiasts, and members of the civic society, underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in deepening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. According to a press release received on Wednesday, the panel discussion provided a platform for exploring shared cultural values between the two nations.
Alongside Ambassador Farooq, the all-Pakistan panel featured Suljuk Tarar, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, and Ameena Seyyid, Founder of the Adab Festival and Karachi Literary Festival. Moderated by Yazed Almulhem, the discussion highlighted the similarities in culture, history, social values, and religion between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing how these aspects serve as cultural bridges.
Ambassador Farooq stressed that while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always shared close ties, cultural diplomacy offers new avenues to further strengthen this relationship. He pointed out that the Pakistan Embassy is actively engaged with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, collaborating on projects through the Kingdom’s 11 cultural commissions, with several initiatives underway to promote mutual understanding.
Ambassador Suljuk Tarar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of literature as a unifying force and a reflection of society. He advocated for more translations of Arabic and Urdu fiction to foster a deeper understanding between the two nations. Ameena Seyyid added that literature and art transcend geographical boundaries, breaking stereotypes and fostering shared human values such as love, compassion, and resilience.
The discussion concluded with each panelist offering special messages for the Saudi youth, encouraging them to embrace literature and art as vital tools for cultural exchange and understanding. The event also hinted at future collaborations between Pakistan’s literary festivals and Saudi publishers and authors.
