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Syrian Pilgrims Arrive by Air in Saudi Arabia for 1st Time since 2012

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Syrian Pilgrims Arrive by Air in Saudi Arabia for 1st Time since 2012

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Jeddah received earlier this week the first flight from Damascus carrying Hajj pilgrims, after a hiatus that lasted more than 12 years since the diplomatic rupture in 2012.
In this regard, Dr. Mohammad Ayman Sousan, the Syrian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, pointed to the determination of the two countries’ leadership to develop and strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, “based on awareness of the importance of unifying the Arab position in the face of challenges facing our nation.”
“The reopening of the two countries’ embassies in Damascus and Riyadh, the appointment of ambassadors, the return of Syrians to perform the Hajj, the resumption of civil air traffic, and the formation of parliamentary brotherhood committees in the Saudi Shura Council and the Syrian People’s Assembly, are all indicators of […] the desire to strengthen [relations]…” the ambassador underlined.
He continued: “These indicators will inevitably constitute a qualitative addition to achieving unity in the Arab stance. The Syrian-Saudi relationship has always been an essential factor in controlling the rhythm of Arab positions regarding developments that affect Arab rights and interests.”
Commenting on Jeddah receiving the first group of Syrian pilgrims since the severing of relations more than 12 years ago, Sousan said: “We are very happy with the arrival of the first planes transporting Syrian pilgrims to King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. This was the result of cooperation between the concerned authorities in the two countries.”
“On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the brothers in the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Royal Saudi Civil Aviation Commission for the efforts they have made in this regard, which enabled Syrian citizens wishing to perform the holy obligation to reach the Kingdom,” he added.
According to the Syrian diplomat, pilgrims were provided with all necessary facilities and services upon their arrival to the airport in Jeddah.
He said he was pleased with the resumption of direct flights from Syria to the Kingdom, saying: “This will not be limited to the Hajj season, but rather regular flights between the two countries will be resumed, making it easier for Syrians residing in the Kingdom and Saudi brothers to visit Syria and travel directly from the Kingdom’s airports to Damascus International Airport…”
Sousan revealed that according to an agreement between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Syrian Ministry of Endowments, the Syrian share of the Hajj season is 17,500 pilgrims for this year, while those were selected according to criteria set by the Syrian Ministry of Endowments.”
He also stressed that the authorities concerned with Hajj in the Kingdom were making tremendous efforts to enable pilgrims to perform the holy duty in the best conditions and to provide them with various services, whether related to health, transportation and housing, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in Syria.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.