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Saudi Arabia Restores Diplomatic Ties with Canada

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA) 
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA) 
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Saudi Arabia Restores Diplomatic Ties with Canada

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA) 
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA) 

Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday restoring diplomatic ties with Canada on the basis of mutual respect and common interests, following a five-year rift upon Ottawa’s attempt to interfere in the Kingdom’s internal affairs.

The decision follows discussions held between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Bangkok on 18 November, according to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The decision stems from the desire of both sides to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia expelled Canada's ambassador and announced freezing new trade between the Kingdom and Canada over calls by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Canada's embassy in Riyadh for the immediate release of “civil community activists” who were arrested in the Kingdom.

Canada will appoint Jean-Philippe Linteau as its new ambassador in Riyadh.

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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.