Saudi Arabia Stresses Jerusalem as ‘Eternal Capital of Palestine’

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Jerusalem as ‘Eternal Capital of Palestine’

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reiterated on Tuesday its position before the United Nations Security Council on Jerusalem, rejecting Israeli measures in the holy city, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The cabinet declared that Jerusalem is the “eternal historic capital of the Palestinians” as stipulated by international resolutions.

The meeting was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and held at the Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

The gatherers warned that any measures taken by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem “are null and void” and may lead to igniting tensions in the Middle East.

They may also weaken chances to reach comprehensive and permanent peace based on the two-state solution, added the ministers according to Information Minister Dr. Awad bin Saleh al-Awad.

Turning to Yemen, the cabinet underlined the statement issued by the Arab Coalition, which called on all political and social communities in Yemen to exercise restraint and adhere to dialogue in regards to the developments in the temporary capital Aden.

The ministers stressed the need for sides to assume their national responsibility and unite their work with the Coalition in its efforts to restore legitimacy throughout Yemen and defeat the Iran-backed Houthi militia.

They called on all sides to shun factors that may lead to division and reiterated the Coalition’s call on them to halt the clashes.

The alliance vowed to take the necessary measures to restore security and stability in Aden.

King Salman also briefed the cabinet on the results of his talks with visiting US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan last week.

The cabinet then discussed the Kingdom’s participation at the World Economic Forum at Davos last week, where the delegation highlighted Saudi Arabia’s reform plans and future projects in line with Vision 2030.



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)
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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.