Khaberni - The Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Sheikh, sends a message to Egyptians following an article published by "Al-Masry Al-Youm" newspaper regarding the honoring of the former Egyptian Minister of Culture, Farouk Hosny.
Al-Sheikh confirmed in a post on his official Facebook account his deep love for Egypt and its people, and his categorical rejection of any attempts to tarnish the historic relationship between the two brotherly peoples.
He wrote, saying: "Thank you for the article that embarrassed me. And I always say: Those who cannot see my love — specially — and the love of Saudis in general for Egypt and its people, need to visit an eye doctor. Do not let those who fish in murky waters, or those who forge permits and launch malicious hashtags... I love you even if the love is one-sided."
And he added: "May God protect the Kingdom and Egypt, my lord the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, my lord the Crown Prince, His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the two brotherly peoples. And may God never separate us."
This comes after Farouk Hosny received a Lifetime Achievement Award during this year's "Joy Awards" ceremony, where Turki Al-Sheikh personally took the stage to present him the award, commenting: "The award is honored by you."
Al-Sheikh had shown great appreciation for Hosny during the ceremony, where he kissed his head and said: "A great man from a great country."
This initiative embodies the growing cultural and artistic cooperation relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which Al-Sheikh is keen to constantly enhance.
Recently, Turki faced a wide criticism campaign in Egypt after he announced the almost complete reliance on Saudi and Gulf musicians and instrumentalists for the musical concerts during the Riyadh season, which provoked widespread interaction and speculations about the fate of Egyptian art in these annual seasons.
In October last year, Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh announced that the Riyadh season in 2025 will not feature any Egyptian theatrical works.
