Bahrain Names GCC Chief Country's New Foreign Minister

GCC chief Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
GCC chief Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
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Bahrain Names GCC Chief Country's New Foreign Minister

GCC chief Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
GCC chief Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)

Bahrain has appointed the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council as the country’s next foreign minister, state media reported Thursday.

The Bahrain News Agency reported that Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa named Abdullatif al-Zayani as the foreign minister.

Local media reported al-Zayani will assume the post when his term as secretary general of the GCC ends on March 31.

He will be replacing Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who’s been Bahrain’s foreign minister since 2005.

Sheikh Khalid, who confirmed the news on Twitter and congratulated al-Zayani, will serve as diplomatic adviser to the king.



Saudi King Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Performers from 66 Countries in Guests Program

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi King Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Performers from 66 Countries in Guests Program

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the hosting of 1,000 individuals from 66 nations to perform Umrah during this year, 1446 AH, as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation.

The guests will be received over four groups as part of this program, which is executed and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Marking this occasion, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and General Supervisor of the program, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation towards King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for empowering Muslims from diverse nations worldwide to perform Islamic rituals comfortably and peacefully, covering the expenses personally.
He highlighted that throughout its ongoing journey, the program has extended its reach across various continents, benefiting over 140 countries since its inception. The program's guests enjoy an array of services through a comprehensive system, ensuring a seamless experience from departure to their safe return.