Saudi Arabia, Iraq to Confidently Deepen Coordination, Cooperation

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein hold a news conference, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, Iraq February 2, 2023. (Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein hold a news conference, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, Iraq February 2, 2023. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia, Iraq to Confidently Deepen Coordination, Cooperation

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein hold a news conference, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, Iraq February 2, 2023. (Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein hold a news conference, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, Iraq February 2, 2023. (Reuters)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah stressed on Thursday that relations shared by the Kingdom and Iraq are recently witnessing positive momentum thanks to the directives of the leaderships of the two countries.

“Saudi Arabia and Iraq are working closely to continue the momentum in bilateral relations, and to deepen coordination and cooperation, especially in the economic and development fields,” said Prince Faisal during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Baghdad.

Prince Faisal renewed his country’s support for all efforts made by the Iraqi government aimed at promoting prosperity and stability in Iraq.

The top Saudi diplomat pointed to the importance of activating the Joint Coordination Council between the Kingdom and Iraq to endorse projects in various fields and boost cooperation between the two countries’ private sectors.

Prince Faisal also praised the economic development and growth witnessed by Iraq, as well as the rapid economic development in Saudi Arabia.

He said growth and development are effectively reflected in the creation of great opportunities in the two countries.

The minister noted that this benefits the sustainable prosperity of both Saudis and Iraqis and reflects positively on the entire region.

Furthermore, Prince Faisal underscored the importance of enhancing the security and stability of the region to achieve development goals.

There is close and continuous coordination between Saudi Arabia and Iraq to ensure security and stability through dialogue and promoting common interests, asserted the minister.

Hussein, for his part, stressed that Iraq is looking forward to being supplied with electricity via the Saudi network or that in the Gulf.

He also urged Saudi investment companies to come to Iraq.

Moreover, the Iraqi top diplomat revealed that “cooperation with Saudi Arabia on security and drug control is ongoing.”

Prince Faisal met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi during his trip to Iraq.

He conveyed to Sudani the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.



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.