Saudi Arabia Condemns Egypt Church Attack

Security forces stand guard at the site of attack on a church in the Helwan district south of Cairo, Egypt December 29, 2017. (Reuters)
Security forces stand guard at the site of attack on a church in the Helwan district south of Cairo, Egypt December 29, 2017. (Reuters)
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns Egypt Church Attack

Security forces stand guard at the site of attack on a church in the Helwan district south of Cairo, Egypt December 29, 2017. (Reuters)
Security forces stand guard at the site of attack on a church in the Helwan district south of Cairo, Egypt December 29, 2017. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Friday the attack against a Coptic church near the Egyptian capital Cairo, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

An official source at the Foreign Ministry expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the attack targeting a church in the Helwan City district.

It offered Saudi Arabia’s condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Egypt, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded.

The source reaffirmed the Kingdom's solidarity with Egypt against such horrendous acts of terrorism.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned Friday’s church attack.

''The UAE wholeheartedly stands with the Egyptian State and people against extremism and terrorism,'' said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a statement.

It expressed the UAE's vehement condemnation of such grave criminal acts and its utter rejection of all forms of terrorism.

"Such heinous acts of terror will never have a bearing on the Egyptian people's determination to stand fast against the evils of terrorism which fly in the face of all religious and human values and principles," said the ministry.

The Ministry reiterated the Emirates categorical denunciation of all forms of violence and terrorism, which target all without distinction as to religion or ethnicity and concluded by offering condolences to the government and people of Egypt.



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.