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South Korea’s Yoon Departs for Saudi Arabia and Qatar

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee wave before departing from Seoul on the presidential plane Code One for state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Seoul, South Korea, 21 October 2023. (EPA/Yonhap)
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee wave before departing from Seoul on the presidential plane Code One for state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Seoul, South Korea, 21 October 2023. (EPA/Yonhap)
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South Korea’s Yoon Departs for Saudi Arabia and Qatar

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee wave before departing from Seoul on the presidential plane Code One for state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Seoul, South Korea, 21 October 2023. (EPA/Yonhap)
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee wave before departing from Seoul on the presidential plane Code One for state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Seoul, South Korea, 21 October 2023. (EPA/Yonhap)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol left for Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Saturday to discuss business cooperation as well as to discuss security conditions amid the crisis in the Middle East, his office said.

Yoon, in what would be the first state visit by a South Korean leader, will hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday, and will travel to Qatar on Oct. 24-25 for a summit and to attend a business forum.

The state visit takes place roughly a year after Crown Prince Mohammed visited South Korea and discussed cooperation in the areas of energy, defense and infrastructure construction, signing investment pacts worth $30 billion with Korean firms.

Business leaders accompanying President Yoon include Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair E.S. Chung and the heads of Hanwha, GS, and HD Hyundai conglomerates, according to Yoon's office.

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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.