Sushma takes part in Saudi festival

Sushma takes part in Saudi festival

Context:

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on 7th February participated in the national festival of Saudi Arabia and held bilateral discussions with the Saudi royals.

About the Festival:

• Al Janadria is the national cultural festival of Saudi Arabia
• The festival began in 1985 under the patronage of the ruling monarch
• 2018 marks the 32nd edition of the festival
•   It is organised every year by the Saudi National Guard
• A primary goal of this festival is to highlight Saudi Arabia’s Islamic identity, display its national heritage and help preserve it for generations to come.
• It also aims to acquaint its people with the cultures of other countries. For this purpose, every year the country nominates a “Guest of Honour” at its festival.
• The festival has India as the ‘Guest of Honour’ country this year

Discussions with Saudi Arabia:

• The invitation to India for this prestigious festival is a testament to the growing relationship between Saudi Arabia and India.
• Wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest was discussed
• External Affairs Minister of India also reaffirmed India’s support to peace in the region and called for collective efforts in fighting the menace of terrorism