Riyadh to Host Gulf-Arab Talks on Sunday

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi (GCC)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi (GCC)
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Riyadh to Host Gulf-Arab Talks on Sunday

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi (GCC)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi (GCC)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi affirmed on Thursday that the council’s 159th ministerial session would be held on Sunday in Riyadh in addition to separate meetings with foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt and Morocco.

The GCC secretary-general said in a statement that the ministerial meeting would be chaired by Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammad Al-Thani, the president of the GCC ministerial council’s current session, and the conferees would discuss reports concerning follow-up on implementing resolutions of the GCC Supreme Council, issued at the 44th summit, held in Qatar in December.

He added that they would also discuss memos and reports submitted by the ministerial and technical committees as well as the GCC Secretariat General with respect to dialogue and strategic relations with states and international coalitions, in addition to regional and international affairs.

He noted that Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry would hold the talks with the GCC on the sidelines of the session, while Jordan and Morocco would be engaged in identical and separate talks by the two countries’ foreign ministers, respectively Ayman Al-Safadi and Nasser Bourita.

The meetings between the GCC and the Jordanian and Moroccan sides would be part of the distinctive relationship and partnerships.



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)
TT

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.