Saudi Crown Prince Receives Blinken in AlUla

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Blinken in AlUla. (AP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Blinken in AlUla. (AP)
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Blinken in AlUla

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Blinken in AlUla. (AP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Blinken in AlUla. (AP)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received in AlUla on Monday US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on a tour of the Middle East amid the Israeli war on Gaza. 

They reviewed bilateral relations and ways to boost cooperation to the benefit of their countries. They exchanged views on regional and international developments and efforts exerted to achieve security and stability, with focus on Gaza and its surroundings. 

Crown Prince Mohammed stressed the importance of stopping military operations, intensifying humanitarian action, and working to create conditions for restoring stability and for a peace process that ensures that the Palestinian people gain their legitimate rights and achieve a just and lasting peace. 

Present at the meeting were Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdelaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and Minister of State and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Muhammad Al-Aiban. 

US Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Ratney and his accompanying delegation attended the meeting. 

Blinken had arrived in AlUla earlier on Monday where he was welcomed by FM Prince Faisal. 

He also met with EU High Representative Josep Borrell in AlUla for talks on efforts to prevent the Gaza conflict from spreading, said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.  

Blinken has so far visited Türkiye, Greece, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on his tour. He later headed to Israel. 



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.