Hajj and Umrah Services Conference Kicks off on Monday under Patronage of King Salman

Pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 26, 2023. (AP)
Pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 26, 2023. (AP)
TT

Hajj and Umrah Services Conference Kicks off on Monday under Patronage of King Salman

Pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 26, 2023. (AP)
Pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 26, 2023. (AP)

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, will inaugurate in Jeddah on Monday the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition 2024.

The event is being organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program - a program under the Saudi Vision 2030.

It will run through January 11.

The conference will unite individuals and businesses from the Hajj and Umrah sector in Saudi Arabia and over 80 countries worldwide. It aims to present innovative solutions, products, services, and projects that mirror the sector's development in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, said the conference will provide ample opportunities for the business sector to enhance pilgrims' experiences.

He stressed the Saudi government's commitment to improving visitor and pilgrim services globally by introducing innovative technologies and services aimed at facilitating rituals and elevating service quality.

Dr. Al-Rabiah will engage in a ministerial dialogue session alongside senior officials to spotlight the Kingdom's endeavors in enhancing services for participants in the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The concurrent exhibition will showcase over 200 exhibitors from government, private, non-profit, entrepreneurial, and innovative sectors. This year's exhibition is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors.



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
TT

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
TT

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
TT

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.