Saudi Arabia Affirms Full Readiness to Address Any Threats to Hajj Security

Leaders of the Hajj Security Forces hold a press conference in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (SPA)
Leaders of the Hajj Security Forces hold a press conference in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Affirms Full Readiness to Address Any Threats to Hajj Security

Leaders of the Hajj Security Forces hold a press conference in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (SPA)
Leaders of the Hajj Security Forces hold a press conference in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (SPA)

Saudi Director of Public Security and Head of the Hajj Security Committee Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami has emphasized the complete readiness of the Interior Ministry’s security, traffic, and organizational plans for this Hajj season.

Al-Bassami stressed Friday the importance of addressing any threats to security and preventing any actions that could jeopardize the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

According to Al-Bassami, the security plans approved by the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Hajj, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, for this year were significant in maintaining order.

“The general plan for the tasks and responsibilities of public security officers in Hajj included raising full readiness to confront everything that affects the breach of security or order and prevent all actions affecting the security and safety” of pilgrims.

It also included intensified field presence to ensure monitoring of all cases and rapid response to emergency cases as well as preventive measures against the occurrence of crimes of pickpocketing, and any other phenomena affecting the safety of pilgrims.

The application of the principles of prevention and safety for the pilgrims was also emphasized through facilitating their movement within the Grand Mosque, the central area, and the holy sites.

There was a focus on maintaining a balanced traffic flow at the security checkpoints in the entrances of the holy city of Makkah, the holy sites, and the roads leading to them.

Additionally, effective management and organization of traffic were implemented in the central area, the holy sites, and all surrounding roads and areas to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians, as well as efficient management of intersections and main roads.

For his part, the Commander of the Special Emergency Forces at the Presidency of State Security, Major General Mohammed Al-Amri, said the emergency forces are present not only in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites but also in all locations to maintain public security.

Commander of the Civil Defense Forces in Hajj Major General Dr. Hammoud Al-Faraj said their main focus during the Hajj season is on the preventive and educational side by ensuring that all safety requirements are met in the pilgrims’ residences and headquarters through continuous inspection tours.



Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
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Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.


Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Wednesday from Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali.

Discussions stressed the importance of preserving the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia and addressed regional developments and other issues of mutual concern.