Gulf-Chinese Ministerial Meeting Tackles Boosting Economic Ties

Officials at the meeting in New York on Monday. (GGC)
Officials at the meeting in New York on Monday. (GGC)
TT

Gulf-Chinese Ministerial Meeting Tackles Boosting Economic Ties

Officials at the meeting in New York on Monday. (GGC)
Officials at the meeting in New York on Monday. (GGC)

The Gulf-Chinese ministerial council convened in New York on Monday on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chaired the meeting as the Kingdom is the president of the current round of the council. The meeting was attended by China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Other participants included United Arab Emirates Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen al-Marar, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani, Oman’s permanent representative to the UN, Dr. Mohamed al-Hassan, Qatar’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser al-Mohammed Al Sabah and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf.

The gatherers tackled the relations of cooperation and friendship that bind the GCC and China on various levels with the aim of serving mutual interests.

They also discussed the latest developments related to the negotiations on free trade between the two sides.
They expressed their mutual keenness on boosting and developing trade and economic relations between the Gulf and China.

The officials also discussed regional security and political developments and international issues of interest.

They stressed the importance of maintaining cooperation between the Gulf and China and bolstering opportunities of cooperation to serve common interests.



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)
TT

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.