Turki Al-Sheikh responds to a statement by the Syndicate of Acting Professions in Egypt

On Sunday, the Acting Professions Syndicate in Egypt issued a statement affirming Egyptian artists’ rejection of “any speech or attempt aimed at insulting or attacking the purest parts of the earth.” The statement affirmed the solidity of Egyptian-Saudi relations.

The union began its statement, which it published on its official Facebook page in the name of “the masses of Egyptian artists and creators,” by emphasizing “the bonds of absolute reverence and glorification of the sacred places that reside in the conscience of every Egyptian, Arab, and Muslim.”

The statement pointed out that "Egyptian-Saudi relations were not the result of the moment, but rather an extension of the nature of geography, conscience, and inseparable ties, based on unity of destiny, common interests, and established positions that reflect the strength of the two brotherly countries and peoples."

Turki Al-Sheikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, shared the statement of the Acting Professions Syndicate in Egypt, immediately after its issuance, on his official Facebook page, and wrote: “Unsurprising words from the Syndicate, Dr. Ashraf, all Egyptian artists, and the brotherly Egyptian people... The Kingdom and Egypt are the wings of the nation.”

This is the second statement issued by an Egyptian party in less than a day to emphasize Egyptian solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the depth of relations between the two countries.

On Saturday, the United Media Services Company in Egypt issued a statement in which it affirmed its “pride in the depth of the historical and fraternal relations that bring together the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the solid ties between the two countries and peoples that are based on it, unity in destiny and interests, and extended positions that reflect the strength and status of this relationship.”

“United” believes that “these ties represent a shared responsibility in preserving the space of mutual respect, promoting rapprochement between the two peoples, and confronting every speech that aims to insult, distort, or undermine the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

She added: “In this context, the company declares its solidarity with media institutions and platforms in the Kingdom, and confirms its readiness to cooperate with them in confronting any media practices that go beyond professional principles, while adhering to the principles of accuracy, responsibility, and respect for peoples and countries.”

The United Nations concluded its statement by emphasizing that “the professional media is responsible for protecting public awareness and preserving ties between peoples, and that attempts to drive a wedge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia will not undermine the established relationship created by history and proven by the positions of the two countries, and which the peoples continue to maintain.”

Al-Sheikh, in turn, responded to the statement of “United Media Services” in a blog post published on his official Facebook page, in which he said: “Respectful words, I hope we can build on them and go to different and stronger horizons... But in order for this issue to happen, it is necessary to pay attention to those who troll in murky waters and those with narrow personal interests from all parties and sides.”

He concluded his post by saying: “If we join hands with United, we can go somewhere far away.”