Ways to boost Saudi image discussed

A conference on the image of Saudi Arabia abroad currently being held here, on Monday discussed the role of diplomacy, the media and private sector in improving the Kingdom's international image.

In his paper on the "Role of diplomacy and the media", Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Sadhan, deputy secretary general of the Council of the Saudi Council of Ministers and chairman of the session, described September 11 as a catastrophe that had harmed the Kingdom, Islam and Muslims in general.

He stressed the need for removing communication gap with other countries.

The four-day forum, which began on Saturday, was being attended by more than 100 prominent personalities from all over the world.

The conference, The Image of Saudi Arabia in the World, was being organised by the Saudi Association for Media and Communication (SAMC) and was inaugurated by Dr. Khalid Al Anqari, Minister of Higher Education.

Al Anqari said the Kingdom will make all possible efforts to improve its image with the support of friendly countries as well as global organisations.

He said anti-Saudi media campaigns were targeting its institutions and values and since September 11, these campaigns have been vying one another to tarnish its international image.

Addressing the forum, Prince Mohammad Bin Saud Bin Khalid from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said following September 11, the Kingdom has been turned from a peaceful country to one that was guilty in the eyes of the world and accused of harbouring terrorism.

"Saudi visitors are treated as undesirable persons in Western countries," he said.

"The kingdom is keen on adopting measures to improve its image in order to explain its position on issues relating to it," he said.

Dr. Mohammad Al Bishr, Saudi ambassador to Morocco, highlighted the role of diplomacy and culture in shaping the image abroad.

Dr. Abdul Karim Al Dakheel presented a paper on role of diplomacy in Saudi-Western relations.

Dr. Fahd Al Kheraiji, analysed the Saudi experience in US, while Walid Abu Khalid said the Kingdom's image reflected on foreign companies and their investments here.

Dr. Ebrahim Bin Abdul Aziz Al Mohanna spoke about the importance of study and research centres in order to develop the new ideas and creative approaches.