Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: Hajj Bolsters Relations between our Countries

Muslim Hajj pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah on June 16, 2024, as they perform the farewell circumambulation or "tawaf". (AFP)
Muslim Hajj pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah on June 16, 2024, as they perform the farewell circumambulation or "tawaf". (AFP)
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Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: Hajj Bolsters Relations between our Countries

Muslim Hajj pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah on June 16, 2024, as they perform the farewell circumambulation or "tawaf". (AFP)
Muslim Hajj pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah on June 16, 2024, as they perform the farewell circumambulation or "tawaf". (AFP)

Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati stressed on Sunday that the Hajj helps forge relations of friendship between Muslims, adding that Tehran places great importance on its ties with Riyadh.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said Iran will continue to strengthen relations with the Kingdom at the directives of the two countries’ leaderships.

On Iranian Hajj pilgrims, he said they are organized and have completed their holy rituals smoothly and at ease.

He underscored the complete coordination between the Iranian Hajj mission and Saudi authorities, whom he thanked for their major accomplishment of organizing the annual pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia and Iran restored their relations in March 2023 through a China-mediated agreement. They resumed Umrah trips in April 2023.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims performed this year’s Hajj, said Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Among them were 90,000 Iranian pilgrims.

Iran believes the Hajj is one way to get closer to God and for Muslims to achieve rapprochement with each other because the pilgrimage brings together the faithful from all around the world, remarked Enayati.

Moreover, he noted that the Hajj was just one way for Saudi Arabia and Iran to strengthen their ties.

The ambassador also congratulated the Iranian pilgrims and Saudi Arabia’s government and people on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.



Saudi Arabia Implemented $7.1-Billion-Worth Projects to Support Children

KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Implemented $7.1-Billion-Worth Projects to Support Children

KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA

Saudi Arabia actively marks World Children's Day, observed on November 20 every year, through a range of projects and initiatives carried out by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), which is dedicated to supporting children and promoting their well-being worldwide.

Since its establishment, KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. Among these, 965 projects were valued at over $924 million, specifically focusing on enhancing the living conditions of children and their families, alleviating their suffering and ensuring access to education in safe and healthy environments.

One significant project by the center is the rehabilitation and reintegration of children recruited and affected by the armed conflict in Yemen, which aims to support child soldiers in their journey back to society.

The project has positively impacted 530 children and 60,560 family members. It entails facilitating the children's integration into their communities, enrolling them in schools, and offering vital psychological and social support through targeted training courses, helping them to lead normal, fulfilling lives.
KSrelief is a key supporter of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), significantly contributing to the delivery of health services and nutrition programs for newborns and their mothers. The center also plays a crucial role in supporting educational initiatives and ensuring the continuity of education in crisis and disaster-affected areas.