French Ambassador Hails Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, receives French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. SPA
Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, receives French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. SPA
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French Ambassador Hails Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, receives French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. SPA
Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, receives French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. SPA

French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette has said bilateral ties between Paris and Riyadh were “at their best”, asserting that France is a strategic partner to the kingdom.

Following his meeting with Governor of Tabuk Region Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Gouyette told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) Monday that France as a strategic partner seeks to develop fraternal ties via scientific, cultural and commercial exchange.

As part of his mission, he discussed cooperation means with the Kingdom as partners in many fields, mainly on huge projects such as Amala, NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project.

Gouyette hailed the historic stature of Tabuk, saying he visited the University of Tabuk and was briefed on the 16 faculties that host more than 25,000 students who are the country's future.

As part of its quest to strengthen ties, France celebrated the 50th anniversary of late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s visit to Paris, he said.

It also marked the first anniversary of the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has introduced a new phase of joint cooperation.

Gouyette commended the Kingdom’s vital and pioneering role in achieving stability in the world politically and economically referring to the Kingdom’s preparations to host the 15th annual G20 Leaders' Summit on Nov 21-22 2020.



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.