Assistant Commander of Hajj Security Forces: Qatari Pilgrims Have been Provided with All Services

Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform the annual Hajj. Reuters
Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform the annual Hajj. Reuters
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Assistant Commander of Hajj Security Forces: Qatari Pilgrims Have been Provided with All Services

Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform the annual Hajj. Reuters
Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform the annual Hajj. Reuters

Assistant Commander of Hajj Security Forces Maj. Gen. Jamaan al-Ghamdi stressed that his country does not discriminate between pilgrims; instead, it takes care of everyone and provides them with all services possible.

In response to a question by Asharq Al-Awsat about the Qatari government's claims over guarantees regarding the safety of Qatari pilgrims, Ghamdi said: “Pilgrims are all guests and we do not discriminate between pilgrims. All pilgrims are taken care of, and the Saudis are raised on respecting guests of God.”

“We consider ourselves in this country as custodians of the Kaaba like our King, who called himself “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.”

Saudi Arabia does not differentiate between pilgrims when it comes to security protection. Everyone is protected by Allah the almighty first then by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, which provides all possible services for all pilgrims, said Ghamdi.

During a press conference held Sunday at the headquarters of the General Security in Mina to explain the security and organizational plans in the Hajj season this year, Ghamdi explained that security plans for this year’s Hajj have been completed under the full support of the wise leadership, which works on serving the pilgrims and providing them with a secured and comfort atmosphere.

“In line with orders given by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz to host Qatari pilgrims, all services have been provided for them,” Ghamdi added.

Ghamdi pointed out that what has been achieved so far is continuous security successes for Hajj security forces; starting from the movement of pilgrims from the country's borders until they arrive in Madinah and Makkah.

He stressed that the counting process is ongoing for the violating pilgrims in different Saudi regions to guarantee the safety of legal pilgrims and provide them with the best services.

Al-Ghamdi said that since the beginning of the Hajj season, 61 unauthorized offices have been closed and 10,533 Saudi individuals and 213,541 expatriates have been arrested for violating Hajj regulations.



Saudi Arabia Optimistic About Lebanon’s Future

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Optimistic About Lebanon’s Future

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah expressed on Thursday the Kingdom’s optimism over Lebanon’s future.

Prince Faisal was in Lebanon on Thursday on an official visit, the first by a Saudi FM in 15 years.

He held separate meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, caretaker PM Najib Mikati and parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the quintet that helped end Lebanon’s presidential vacuum earlier this month when Aoun was elected. Lebanon is passing through a transition that requires serious support to consolidate its international commitments in implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, deploying the army to the South, reconstructing the country after the war between Israel and Hezbollah and carrying out reforms.

Meeting with Aoun, Prince Faisal underscored the Saudi leadership’s keenness on Lebanon returning as a model for the region and an example of coexistence and prosperity.

He hailed Aoun’s leadership and inaugural speech which set Lebanon on the right path.

“The Kingdom will stand by Lebanon and follow step by step as it moves along this new path,” he added.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Lebanese parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, January 23, 2025. (Lebanese Parliament/Handout via Reuters)

Moreover, he underlined the importance of the reforms that the new government will carry out upon its formation, conveying the openness of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to suggestions that would lead Lebanon to a prosperous future.

The Saudi leadership is looking forward to meeting with Aoun to set the foundations for cooperation between their countries, remarked Prince Faisal.

“Despite the challenges we are facing in the region, the Kingdom is looking at Lebanon's future with optimism under the reformist approach that came in the president's speech after his inauguration,” he stressed.

“These reforms will boost the confidence of Lebanon's partners and open space for the country to regain its rightful place in the Arab and international spheres,” he added.

“We are confident the Lebanese leadership will seize the opportunity and work seriously to bolster Lebanon’s security and sovereignty and safeguard its institutions,” he remarked.

For his part, Aoun hoped relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon will become stronger in all fields and for Saudis to return to visit Lebanon once again.

He expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia in helping Lebanon, especially in ending the presidential vacuum that stretched for over two years.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, at Salam's house in Beirut, Lebanon January 23, 2025. (Reuters)

He described Prince Faisal’s visit as a message of hope to Lebanon, recalling the historic bonds between their countries.

Before his departure, the FM conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed over his election, wishing him success and that he would meet the aspirations of the people in achieving stability and progress in Lebanon.

Furthermore, he stressed to Aoun the importance of committing to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, including the implementation of resolution 1701 and relevant international agreements.

Meeting with Berri, Prince Faisal discussed with the speaker the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations between Riyadh and Beirut.

Prince Faisal is set to leave for Syria later on Friday.