Sudan Talks Resume in Jeddah with Aim to Deliver Aid, Reach Ceasefire 

Representatives of Sudanese parties sign the Jeddah Declaration in May. (Reuters)
Representatives of Sudanese parties sign the Jeddah Declaration in May. (Reuters)
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Sudan Talks Resume in Jeddah with Aim to Deliver Aid, Reach Ceasefire 

Representatives of Sudanese parties sign the Jeddah Declaration in May. (Reuters)
Representatives of Sudanese parties sign the Jeddah Declaration in May. (Reuters)

Talks between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resumed in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah on Sunday several months after they were suspended.

A joint statement from the facilitators: Saudi Arabia, the United States, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the African Union said the talks sought to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

They sought to establish ceasefires and implement confidence-building measures. They were also seeking to work towards achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The talks will not address broader political issues, said the statement.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry had welcomed the resumption of the talks, urging the army and RSF to follow through with the agreements reached in the Jeddah Declaration on May 11.

The Kingdom underlined its keenness on the unity of the Sudanese parties and the need to end the fighting and ease the suffering of the people so that the crisis can be resolved and a political solution can be reached to restore security, stability and prosperity to Sudan.

The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission Sudan (UNITAMS) welcomed the resumption of the talks, hoping the new round of negotiations will lead to the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration.



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.