Emir of Qatar Discusses with Macron Future of Palestinian Cause

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, left, shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron during a state dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, left, shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron during a state dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP)
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Emir of Qatar Discusses with Macron Future of Palestinian Cause

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, left, shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron during a state dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, left, shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron during a state dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said on Tuesday he discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron the future of the Palestinian cause, saying it was the “cornerstone of Qatar's international and regional concerns.”

The leaders met in Paris during Sheikh Tamim’s two-day official state visit to France.

In a post on his official X account, Sheikh Tamim said he held “fruitful talks” with Macron on strengthening “our strategic partnership in accordance with a comprehensive bilateral cooperation that elevates our common aspirations.”

“We discussed the future of the Palestinian cause as it is the cornerstone of Qatar's international and regional concerns, and we are exerting every effort to stop the war in Gaza and deliver aid to our brothers,” he added, according to the Qatari state news agency (QNA).

“The world sees a genocide of the Palestinian people. Hunger, forced displacement, savage bombardments are used as weapons. And the international community still hasn't managed to adopt a unified position to end the war in Gaza and provide the strict minimum of protection for children, women and civilians,” he later added at a dinner banquet thrown by Macron in his honor.

Sheikh Tamim had arrived in Paris on Tuesday to meet senior officials and bolster cooperation between Qatar and France and tackle regional and international issues of interest.



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.