Moscow- To mark the historic visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Russia, Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Awwad bin Saleh al-Awwad inaugurated Thursday the activities of the Saudi Cultural Week in Moscow in the presence of Russia’s Minister of Culture Vladimir Midneski, the Saudi media delegation covering the visit, and a group of visitors waiting for the ribbon-cut ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Awwad welcomed his Russian counterpart, revealing that revealed that Russia will be a guest of honor in the Riyadh International Book Fair that will be held in March 2018.

Awwad described the King’s visit to Russia as historical, citing that it is the first for a Saudi King to the Russian Federation.

He said this visit by King Salman moves the two countries to an important stage in their relations, describing Russia as a pivotal country not only in the Middle East but also in the whole world.

This visit aims at boosting bilateral relations in the political, economic, commercial, agricultural, military, educational and cultural fields.

Dr. Awwad said that the bilateral relations are characterized by interaction, development and support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He said culture is one of the essential elements of supporting partnerships between countries, noting that it is what promotes the dissemination of human knowledge and the exchange of experience and expertise among peoples.

“The Kingdom Vision 2030 has established a new springboard for Saudi culture, which is one of the cultural stimuli to man’s development towards wider horizons,” Awwad added.

The vision aims at developing the culture and information sector in the Kingdom to create a cultural industry in the fields of arts, literature, theater and cinema, and to make culture an influential force for human communication.

The Information Minister said that the Ministry of Culture is to participate in the cultural week and an information center to keep pace with this important event, pointing out that this cultural week contains an exhibition of visual arts, which includes a collection of works of art, photographic images and aesthetic sculptures that reflect the creativity and the Saudi artistic movement in the Kingdom.

Folklore shows from the Saudi heritage will take place. “We will also share virtual reality experiences through a 3D video that conveys the visitor to the Kingdom and enables him to see Saudi heritage and tourist sites,” Awwad said.

“Three short Saudi films will be displayed and will highlight the culture, social life and changes witnessed in the Kingdom. We are also keen to provide samples of the popular Saudi cuisine that gives the visitors a chance to learn about the nature of the daily life we live in Saudi Arabia.”