Lebanese President Arrives in Qatar on Official Visit

This handout picture released by the Lebanese Government Press Office shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (C) being welcomed by Qatar's Minister of Transport Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani (C-L) after arriving in Doha on April 15, 2025. (Lebanese Government Press Office / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Lebanese Government Press Office shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (C) being welcomed by Qatar's Minister of Transport Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani (C-L) after arriving in Doha on April 15, 2025. (Lebanese Government Press Office / AFP)
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Lebanese President Arrives in Qatar on Official Visit

This handout picture released by the Lebanese Government Press Office shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (C) being welcomed by Qatar's Minister of Transport Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani (C-L) after arriving in Doha on April 15, 2025. (Lebanese Government Press Office / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Lebanese Government Press Office shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (C) being welcomed by Qatar's Minister of Transport Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani (C-L) after arriving in Doha on April 15, 2025. (Lebanese Government Press Office / AFP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Qatar on Tuesday on an official two-day visit at the invitation of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Aoun will hold bilateral talks with Sheikh Tamim and expanded talks will be held between the Lebanese and Qatari delegations.

The president is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji.

Aoun arrived in Qatar hours after Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani received French President's Envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian.

They discussed bilateral cooperation, the latest developments in Lebanon, and a number of issues of mutual interest.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territories, and for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and avoid escalation, in order to ensure security and stability in the region.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.