Saudi Crown Prince, Uzbek President Discuss Bilateral Ties in Jeddah

Saudi Crown Prince and Uzbek President discussed bilateral relations and cooperation  (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Uzbek President discussed bilateral relations and cooperation (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Uzbek President Discuss Bilateral Ties in Jeddah

Saudi Crown Prince and Uzbek President discussed bilateral relations and cooperation  (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Uzbek President discussed bilateral relations and cooperation (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Jeddah on Wednesday at Al-Salam palace.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, in addition to reviewing a number of issues of common interest.

Following the talks, they witnessed the exchange of a number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries.

The agreements, worth over SR45 billion ($12 billion), include deals in Islamic affairs, energy, tourism, air transport services, livestock, agriculture, sports, education, science, and media.

The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of human rights.

The deals aim to explore investment opportunities, advance the partnership between the Saudi and Uzbek private sectors, encourage and enhance mutual investments in a number of target sectors.

A number of senior officials from both sides attended the discussions.

This came as Uzbekistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ulugbek Maksudov praised the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, saying the Kingdom was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan and sign a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

He hailed the Saudi Fund for Development role in supporting a large number of projects in Uzbekistan, stressing that one of the most important project has been the construction of the Samarkand-Gozar road, for which the fund has contributed $30 million of the total $100 million cost.

He said the Saudi Fund for Development has also helped funding the construction of schools and medical centers, and drilling wells in the country, in addition to projects in healthcare, education, energy, transport and public utilities development in Uzbekistan.



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.