Saudi Culture Festival ‘Janadriyah’ at which India is the ‘Guest of Honour’
EAM Sushma Swaraj on her two-day visit met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who inaugurated the prestigious National Heritage and Culture Festival ‘Janadriyah’ at which India is the guest of honour state.
EAM @SushmaSwaraj receives His Majesty King Salman at the India Pavilion showcasing the traditional and modern aspects of India! The Pavilion with the theme 'Saudi ka dost Bharat' is a big draw at Janadriyah. #IndiaAtJanadriyah pic.twitter.com/L5oE589d2d
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 7, 2018
King Salman in the presence of EAM inaugurated the festival which exhibits Saudi Arabia’s rich fabric of culture & heritage and is organised by the National Guard.
EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in #Riyadh. Steps to further intensify our strategic partnership in all sectors and to work together towards each other's progress came up during warm discussion. #IndiaAtJanadriyah pic.twitter.com/Ayj3urX1Dh
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 7, 2018
Janadriyah Festival, the prestigious annual ‘National Heritage and Cultural Festival’ of Saudi Arabia was inaugurated by King Salman in the presence of EAM Swaraj today. Giving due recognition to the strategic partnership, close ties and historical linkages between the two countries, for the first time, India was accorded the ‘Guest of Honour’ status at the Festival.
EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Minister of National Guards Prince Khalid and appreciation the honour accorded to India for the 'Guest of Honour' status at Janadriyah 2018. Both leaders felt that India's participation has brought the people of both countries together. #IndiaAtJanadriyah pic.twitter.com/aWLP6gFL32
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 8, 2018
Speaking at the inaugural function, the External Affairs Minister thanked Saudi Arabia for according the honour and recalled the landmark visit of PM Modi to Saudi Arabia in April 2016 which gave a strong impetus to the bilateral partnership. She added that this Festival provides an opportunity to showcase and further build upon this relationship.
Gracious gesture of putting a welcome sign in Hindi appreciating India's rich cultural heritage. EAM @SushmaSwaraj with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir at the @KSAMOFA building after a lunch hosted in honour of EAM. #IndiaAtJanadriyah pic.twitter.com/EWKgozvlCM
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 7, 2018
The India Pavilion mounted on the occasion is based on the theme “Saudi ka Dost Bharat”.
The Pavilion showcases the core values and traditions of India and presents a kaleidoscope of India’s vibrant culture through a colourful dance and music extravaganza. The section on ‘Tradition’ has on display, traditional strengths like Yoga, Ayurveda, textiles and tourism while the ‘Modern Section’ coined as ‘Opportunities in India’ showcases the digital revolution, achievements in Space and defence technologies as well as Flagship programmes like ‘Digital India’, Make in India’ etc.
Earlier in the day, the Minister held bilateral discussions with the Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir and discussed wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. She re-affirmed India’s support to peace in the region and called for collective efforts in fighting the menace of terrorism. She called for taking the strategic partnership to a higher level and in a variety of sectors. She said that India’s flagship programmes including ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’ complement well with ‘Vision 2030’ launched by Saudi Arabia and invited Saudi investments in India.
The External Affairs Minister called on His Majesty, the King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and thanked him for according India the honour at the festival. Both expressed satisfaction at the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship. The Minister also thanked the Saudi King for ensuring the welfare and well being of the large Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
The Minister also addressed a large gathering of Indian community on 6th February. About 3.2 million strong and vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia forms the largest expatriate group. Their positive and well-appreciated contribution in the development of their host country has been an important element of the bilateral engagement. Saudi Arabia is also the fourth largest trading partner for India with bilateral trade exceeding US$ 25 billion in 2016-17.
Indian Embassy – home away from home for Indian diaspora, EAM @SushmaSwaraj while addressing enthusiastic Indian community members at a reception in #Riyadh. First engagement on her visit to Saudi Arabia. #IndiaAtJanadriya pic.twitter.com/9UudEmkGVo
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 6, 2018
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