Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Sager, said that the selection of Tunisia as a guest of honor at the Riyadh International Book Fair came in appreciation of the country’s distinguished cultural and civilizational location.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Sager noted that Tunisia, through its participation in the book fair, has contributed to a rich program that included all aspects of cultural activity.
“Cultural cooperation and exchange between the Kingdom and the Republic of Tunisia is continuous and evolving in accordance with the executive program signed between the two brotherly countries in the cultural field,” the ambassador said.
He added that Tunisia was chosen as a guest of honor at the International Book Fair, in view of its rich cultural heritage.
“The Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom has been discussing with various countries, including Tunisia, to frame participations and contributions in reviving the world heritage and taking care of books and their many tools; Tunisia has undoubtedly brought an added-value to the Riyadh Exhibition through the prepared program, the participating delegation and the diversity of content that covers all aspects of cultural activity,” Al-Sager stated.
Asked about cultural communication between intellectuals and writers in the Kingdom and Tunisia, the ambassador said: “Communication is continuous, and there are multiple bilateral partnerships, especially that the two countries have a distinguished cultural and civilizational heritage.”
The ambassador noted that Saudi-Tunisian relations dated back to the era of the late founding King Abdulaziz and to the independence of Tunisia under the term of late President Habib Bourguiba.
He emphasized mutual support within international organizations, especially in the cultural aspect, where the two sides encourage the exchange of experiences and cooperation in all files of mutual concern.
In this regard, Al-Sager noted that Tunisia supported the Kingdom’s plan for Expo 2030 and was selected Guest of Honor at the Riyadh International Book Fair, while the Kingdom was the Guest of Honor at the Carthage Film Festival 2022.
Asked about his recent meeting with the Tunisian minister of Culture, he said that discussions tackled the joint cooperation and development, especially in the fields of antiquities, heritage and arts.
The ambassador added that he briefed the minister on the efforts deployed by the Saudi ministry of Culture, in the fields of theater, music, heritage, arts, literature, publishing, fashion, films, visual arts and museums, all of which represent areas of possible joint cooperation with Tunisia.
He also noted that the Saudi embassy in Tunisia was working to implement the agreements reached during the tenth joint committee that was held in Riyadh, in particular with regards to training and the exchange of delegations, technological information and publications.
