Media should focus on combating extremism: Saudi minister

JEDDAH (Pajhwok): Media should be a tool to combat extremism and terrorism and to combat hate speech and that our media should convey the message of peace and spread love and coexistence with peoples and cultures.

It was stated by the the Ministry of Culture and Information of Saudi Arabia Dr Dr. Awad bin Saleh Al-Awad here on Monday.

He was speaking in annual ceremony to honor the media and cultural delegations participating in the coverage of the Hajj season this year, 1438H, in the presence of Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Awad bin Saleh Al-Awad.
During the ceremony, which began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, the Minister of Culture and Information conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 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 look forward every year to achieving the best level and providing the best services that help pilgrims to perform their duties easily.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Culture and Information is happy in the Hajj seasons to host media and intellectuals to perform the Hajj and cover its blessed rituals and provide all technical services necessary to perform their duties.
Dr. Al-Awwad said that since the time of the founder late King Abdul Aziz and until today in the era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the kingdom plays a great role in the service of the Two Holy Mosques and has implemented mega projects in the two holy mosques and the holy places.
He stressed that the Kingdom strives to unite ranks and achieve security and peace in various parts of the globe 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.

Media should be a tool to combat extremism and terrorism and to combat hate speech and that our media should convey the message of peace and spread love and coexistence with peoples and cultures. He said
Dr. Al-Awwad thanked the media for the efforts exerted and the excellent coverage of the Hajj season, which contributed to the integrated media coverage of a great event that made the world know about this great event and follow the news and learn about the feelings of the pilgrims and share their stories and spiritual experience through the provision of media platforms with a global dimension.
The Minister of Culture and Information also praised the role played by the local media and the Saudi press in highlighting the bright and vital aspects of all the distinguished services provided by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz in all fields.
Then, 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 participating in the coverage of the Hajj season this year.
They congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince on the success of organizing 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 in the two holy mosques and the holy places, which had a great impact on enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals.
They appreciated the distinguished role of the Government of the Kingdom and its various institutions in caring for Muslims affairs and interests around the world, in addition to its main role in combating terrorism and maintaining the stability and security of the region.