GCC Ambassadors in Jordan Reiterate Support for Joint Action

GCC Ambassadors in Jordan Reiterate Support for Joint Action
TT
20

GCC Ambassadors in Jordan Reiterate Support for Joint Action

GCC Ambassadors in Jordan Reiterate Support for Joint Action

Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Nayef Al-Sudairy reaffirmed his country’s keenness on uniting the stances of regional states against Iranian threats and interference policies that affect internal affairs of neighboring nations, destabilize the region, and cause wars.

Speaking at a meeting for Ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to Jordan, Sudairy stressed that confronting Iranian threats will steer the approach of the gulf body.

He added that the GCC believes strongly in participating in negotiations, whether directly or indirectly, and in ensuring that the voice of Arab states is heard.

Sudairy also highlighted that the final statement issued by the GCC summit, which was held in the Saudi city of AlUla, confirmed support for Jordan's security, stability, and development, as well as intensifying efforts to implement joint action plans agreed upon within the framework of the strategic partnership between the GCC and Jordan.

The diplomat pointed out that the GCC Council countries in general, and Saudi Arabia in particular, are “constantly” working to strengthen relations with Jordan.

Talks in Amman followed the GCC AlUla summit and were aimed at exchanging views and coordinating stances in support of joint issues.

They also aim at coordinating positions in a way that serves the common interests of Arab Gulf states and Jordan.

Sudairy noted that intensified efforts are being mounted to implement joint action plans that were agreed upon within the framework of the strategic partnership held between the GCC and Jordan.

For their part, the ambassadors of Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman said that Gulf-Jordanian relations are “an example for Arab cooperation in all fields,” and a “bright model” that can be built upon to promote joint Arab action and Arab activate agreements and decisions in this regard.

The envoys agreed on the importance of supporting cooperation frameworks between the GCC and Jordan in various fields, the joint statement added.



Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Hajj Stream into Arafat

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
TT
20

Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Hajj Stream into Arafat

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

Around two million pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, a government spokesperson said Wednesday.

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a religious obligation involving rituals and acts of worship that every Muslim must fulfil if they have the money and are physically able to do it.

Hajj Ministry spokesperson Ghassan Al-Nuwaimi provided an approximate number for foreigners at this year’s pilgrimage. He did not say how many domestic pilgrims were taking part. Last year, there were 1,611,310 pilgrims from outside the country.

On Wednesday, pilgrims streamed into Arafat, some making the journey on foot, carrying their luggage through temperatures nudging 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Others carried the elderly.

People paused to sit on the ground to rest or eat before heading to their camps.

Mount Arafat, a rocky hill southeast of Makkah, holds immense significance in Islam. Arafat is mentioned in the Quran and it is where the Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon on his final Hajj.

According to traditional sayings of the prophet, the Day of Arafat is the most sacred day of the year, when God draws near to the faithful and forgives their sins.

Pilgrims remain in Arafat, in prayer and reflection, from after midnight until after sunset. After sunset Thursday, pilgrims will go to the desert plain of Muzdalifah to collect pebbles, which they will use in a ritual.

Earlier in the week, Health Minister Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel told The Associated Press that 10,000 trees have been planted to provide more shade, there is increased hospital bed capacity, and the number of paramedics has tripled.