Riyadh, Cairo Discuss Defense Cooperation

Lieutenant-General Fayyad al-Ruwaili and Lieutenant-General Osama Askar during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. (SPA)
Lieutenant-General Fayyad al-Ruwaili and Lieutenant-General Osama Askar during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. (SPA)
TT

Riyadh, Cairo Discuss Defense Cooperation

Lieutenant-General Fayyad al-Ruwaili and Lieutenant-General Osama Askar during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. (SPA)
Lieutenant-General Fayyad al-Ruwaili and Lieutenant-General Osama Askar during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. (SPA)

Saudi Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad al-Ruwaili held talks with his Egyptian Counterpart, Lieutenant-General Osama Askar, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Both sides discussed defense and military cooperation relations between the two countries, as well as a number of issues of common interest.

Talks also touched on the bilateral strategic ties, especially in the fields of defense and military cooperation and means to enhance them.

An official reception ceremony was held for the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces.

A number of officers from the Egyptian and Saudi armed forces attended the meeting and the reception ceremony.



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.