Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Welcome Exchange of Ambassadors between US and Sudan

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Welcome Exchange of Ambassadors between US and Sudan
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Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Welcome Exchange of Ambassadors between US and Sudan

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Welcome Exchange of Ambassadors between US and Sudan

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement of the United States and Sudan on the exchange of ambassadors between them, after more than two decades, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

SPA quoted a ministry statement as saying on Saturday that the appointment of a US ambassador to Khartoum indicates Washington’s appreciation of the important stage that Sudan is currently embarking on, which requires a concerted effort by both countries to build mutually beneficial and fruitful relations.

The resumption of diplomatic ties between the US and Sudan will be vital to supporting the transitional government in Sudan that was formed on August 21, it stated.

It will also contribute to building solid bridges of understanding and will be an important step forward to restore the vitality and strength of bilateral ties, including by removing Sudan from the state-sponsor of terrorism list, and lifting all economic sanctions against it. This step will also facilitate the rebuilding of an institutions-driven state and assist Sudan as it recovers from the recent crisis, the statement added.

Bahrain also welcomed the announcement on the exchange of ambassadors.

It described it as a positive and important step that reflects willingness by both sides in improving their relations.

A statement by Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this step is a valued support to Sudan's transitional government and backed its efforts to enhance security and stability.

It regarded the move as the beginning of the removal of Sudan from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism and the reconsideration of all the economic sanctions imposed on it, which will contribute to the achievement of the aspirations of the Sudanese people for development, progress and prosperity.



Egypt Tightens Measures to Prevent Another Crisis of Illegal Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz meets with Egyptian Ambassador to the Kingdom Ehab Abou Srei in Riyadh. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz meets with Egyptian Ambassador to the Kingdom Ehab Abou Srei in Riyadh. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
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Egypt Tightens Measures to Prevent Another Crisis of Illegal Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz meets with Egyptian Ambassador to the Kingdom Ehab Abou Srei in Riyadh. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz meets with Egyptian Ambassador to the Kingdom Ehab Abou Srei in Riyadh. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Egypt is intensifying its measures to prevent another crisis of illegal Hajj pilgrims, which had taken place in 2024 when thousands of people exploited visas to enter Saudi Arabia to illegally perform the Hajj.

Egyptian authorities had warned companies against flying travelers without the right visa. Coordination and communication are ongoing with Saudi authorities over the issue.

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received in Riyadh Egyptian Ambassador to the Kingdom Ehab Abou Srei for talks on the measures Cairo is taking ahead of the upcoming Hajj season to avoid another crisis.

Egypt has formed a committee, headed by the prime minister, to manage the Hajj crisis.

A statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said the ambassador stressed that firm measures will be taking against companies that commit violations related to the Hajj.

Last week, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi formed a “crisis cell” that has referred 16 officials from a tourism company to the general prosecution for Hajj violations.

Egyptian authorities have hailed Saudi Arabia for providing all forms of support to legal pilgrims during the Hajj.

Member of the parliamentary tourism committee Ahmed Idriss said state agencies have taken measures to avert a new Hajj crisis in 2025.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said efforts have focused on combating fake entities that claim to be organizing Hajj trips, and on coordinating with Saudi authorities to crackdown on violators.