Saudi Arabia, Oman Agree to Maintain Coordination over Regional Issues

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi meet in Muscat on Monday. (ONA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi meet in Muscat on Monday. (ONA)
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Saudi Arabia, Oman Agree to Maintain Coordination over Regional Issues

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi meet in Muscat on Monday. (ONA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi meet in Muscat on Monday. (ONA)

Saudi Arabia and Oman said on Monday they were determined to hold the first meeting of their coordination council during 2023.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi held consultative talks in Muscat on Monday aimed at tackling regional challenges and ways to address them through peaceful means.

They stressed the Kingdom and Sultanate's continued coordination over regional affairs and constructive cooperation in their foreign ministries.

In a statement, Prince Faisal said the activation of the Saudi-Omani coordination council is an important mechanism that will bolster bilateral cooperation between the neighbors, especially in trade and investment.

He described as positive the meeting he held with Albusaidi, underscoring the strong and close ties shared between Saudi Arabia and Oman.

The relations are witnessing development in several fields and initiatives to implement major projects that would strengthen the economic integration between them, he added.

The FM’s discussed the unique bilateral relations between their countries and opportunities of bilateral cooperation in various domains, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

They also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments.



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.