Saudi Arabia, Qatar Affirm Advancing Political, Security, Economic Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar Affirm Advancing Political, Security, Economic Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presided over the seventh sitting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council on Tuesday.

The leaders delved into a comprehensive review of the strong fraternal ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, exploring avenues to bolster and advance cooperation across various domains, particularly in the realms of politics, security, economics, investment, and more.

During the council's session, several regional and international issues of mutual interest were addressed, with a particular focus on the latest developments in the region.

The leaders engaged in a fruitful exchange of perspectives on matters contributing to regional stability and security.

Additionally, the meeting witnessed the Saudi Crown Prince and Qatari Emir exchanging a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding spanning multiple sectors.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance their strategic partnership and foster mutually beneficial initiatives.

In a joint statement, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged the rapid development and collaboration across all fronts in the bilateral relations.

He emphasized the significance of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council as a crucial means of communication and coordination that embodies these robust ties.

He underscored the duty to earnestly strive towards deepening and expanding areas of bilateral cooperation to achieve a future renaissance and sustainable growth for both nations and their people.

Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar expressed satisfaction with the achieved results, positive outcomes, and initiatives, reaching a consensus on the signing of various agreements and memoranda of understanding.

These agreements aim to enhance cooperation between the two nations across various fields, with a commitment to strengthening and deepening the distinguished bilateral relations and taking them to broader horizons.

In the political realm, both parties expressed contentment with the advanced level of political consultations.

They emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen and enhance cooperation and consultation on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

As for security and military affairs, both parties emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation to contribute to the support of regional security and stability.

This involves strengthening areas such as military training, sponsorship, the exchange of expertise, and the establishment of partnerships.

On the sports front, both sides commended the collaboration during Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the facilitation of fan transportation, including coordination at land and air entry points.

In the cultural, tourism, and entertainment spheres, they lauded the existing collaboration between the two nations in these areas.



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.