Minister of Culture and Information Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad

:: The Ministry of Culture and Information on Monday held its annual ceremony to honor the media and cultural delegations covering the Hajj season this year.

During the ceremony, Minister of Culture and Information Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad conveyed the greetings of King Salman and the crown prince to the delegations.

The minister stressed that the Kingdom has the honor to serve the Two Holy Mosques and make use of all its material and human resources to care for pilgrims and looks forward every year to achieving the best level, and providing the best services that help pilgrims to easily perform their duties.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Culture and Information is happy to host and provide technical services necessary for all media and intellectuals, so they are able to perform their duties in covering the Hajj and its blessed rituals.

Al-Awwad stressed that the Kingdom strives to unite ranks and achieve security and peace in various parts of the world, and to fight terrorism that targets Islam and works to distort its image. He noted that terrorism targeted the holiest places but God has defeated its evil. He stressed that the media should be a tool to combat extremism, terrorism and hate speech, and that it should convey the message of peace and spread love and coexistence.

He thanked the media for the efforts exerted and the excellent coverage of the Hajj season, which contributed to the integrated media coverage that allowed the world to know about this great event, and follow the news of pilgrims and share their stories and spiritual experiences through the provision of media platforms with a global dimension.

He also praised the role played by the local media and the Saudi press in highlighting the vital aspects of all the distinguished services provided in all fields by the government of the King Salman.

Al-Awwad considered the local press as one of the main partners in the local and international media in continually keeping up with events and developments.

Other speakers representing Arab, Asian, European and African delegations, delivered speeches in which they expressed thanks for the generous invitation and hosting of the media delegations covering the Hajj season this year.

They congratulated King Salman and the crown prince on the success of the Hajj this year, pointing out that it was a special season. They highlighted the role of the Kingdom and the services it provided, and the projects carried out, which had a great impact on enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals.

They stressed that Saudi Arabia represents the heart of the Islamic world and senses hopes and pains of Muslims everywhere, and strives to achieve unity, cooperation and solidarity in the Islamic world, and to achieve security and peace in the whole world.