RIYADH, (DNA) — Minister of Media Dr. Awwad Al-Awwad met on Thursday a high-level media delegation from Indonesia and a number of countries participating in the activities of the 33^rd National Festival for Heritage and Culture (Janadriyah – 33).

Welcoming members of the delegation, the minister stressed the Kingdom’s keenness on enhancing strong historic relations, especially in media, cultural and civilizational aspects, with these countries.

On their part, the delegates emphasized their standing with the Kingdom in confronting the unjust media attack. They emphasized that the Kingdom is the land of peace, security and stability, and has been striving to achieve peace in the Middle East region and the world.

“The Kingdom always strives to strengthen values of moderation and tolerance, and denounce terrorism and extremism,” they said.

The delegation included officials and media persons from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Malaysia and Afghanistan who were invited by the Ministry of Media to cover the activities of the Janadriyah Festival and the celebrations of Riyadh as the capital of the Arab media. Indonesia, the most populous Muslim nation, is the guest of honor country for this year’s Janadriyah Festival.

Addressing the media delegates, Al-Awwad underscored the important role being played by the media in promoting historic relations in all aspects and highlighting the true image of Islam that embodies tolerance and moderation and rejects terrorism and extremism.

“The next phase will witness further cooperation in the media field and the exchange of delegations between the Kingdom and the Arab and Islamic countries,” he said.

The minister stressed that the Janadriyah Festival is an opportunity to showcase all cultural, intellectual and social aspects of the Kingdom.

He added that the selection of Indonesia as the guest of honor of this year shows the great importance being attached by the Saudi leadership to relations with this key Southeast Asian nation in all fields.