Guests look at pictures showcasing German customs and traditions.

German Ambassador Boris Ruge thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for making Germany guest of honor at the Janadriyah festival which ended last Friday.

“Being the guest of honor was a great honor for my country,” he said.

The German participation took place under the slogan “Germany — Land of Ideas.”

He thanked King Salman for opening “our pavilion with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir.”

He noted the role played by National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah and ministry personnel involved in the excellent cooperation before and during the festival.

“Germany’s participation would not have been possible without the continuous support of the National Guard and their flexibility and determination,” he said.

He noted that the German pavilion drew more than 15,000 visitors and about the same number watched the events and performances on the main stage nearby.

“All in all, 15 groups and individual artists from different genres of art, culture and tradition performed on the main stage or inside the pavilion,” the German envoy said.

He said that among these were traditional folk musicians like the women of “Zwirbeldirn,” football freestylers or bands like the “Fun Horns” or “Mellow Maroc.”

He added that Saudis were able to learn more about Germany and experience the rich diversity of German culture and traditions.

“Germany was seeking dialogue with the people of Saudi Arabia. Our goal was to promote mutual understanding of each other’s culture,” he said.

He added that due to the openness and enthusiasm of the Saudi public, Germany succeeded in an outstanding manner in its participation in the Saudi cultural festival.

He cited an exhibition about female pioneers in science and technology from Germany as well as the Arab and Islamic world put together in cooperation with Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah.

“Another highlight was the visit of famous traditional Saudi singers who performed their art inside the German pavilion last Thursday,” he said.

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