Sushma Swaraj to embark on a three day visit to Saudi Arabia today

The External Affairs Minister is paying her first official visit to Saudi Arabia from today. During the three-day visit, Mrs Swaraj will meet with the Saudi leadership to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. She will also participate in the inauguration of the prestigious National Heritage and Culture Festival ‘Janadriyah’.India is the guest of honour country at the fest. 

Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj will be leading an Indian delegation for the inauguration of the Janadriya Festival, the Saudi National Festival for Heritage and Culture in which India will be the guest of honour this year.

India’s participation in the Festival will be multifaceted. There will be an Indian pavilion which will show the glimpses of traditional and modern India.India’s rich socio-cultural heritage, folklore, traditional costumes, perfumes, bridal costumes, artefacts, a specimen of calligraphy, food at the Flavors of India



will be showcased at the Prestigious festival. 

Yoga practitioners will also be displaying their skills and educating the people of its general health benefit. Ministry of AYUSH, India Tourism Board, Ministry of Textiles, Handicrafts Promotion Council, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Skill development and Digital India will also be at display.

King Salman is expected to inaugurate the Festival tomorrow and the first day of the festival will witness the launching of the mega camel race with the participation the Arab countries. Some 600 camels of different breeds and genres will join the race.

Appreciating India’s civilizational richness and cultural diversity, Saudi Minister of National Guard Prince Ayyaf said that India’s participation in the Janadriya festival will not only raise the level of the festival but will also further enhance close bilateral engagements between the two countries.