King Salman Allows Preachers to Perform Taraweeh Prayers in Makkah, Madinah

King Salman permits preachers to perform Taraweeh prayers at Makkah and Madinah's holy mosques. (AFP)
King Salman permits preachers to perform Taraweeh prayers at Makkah and Madinah's holy mosques. (AFP)
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King Salman Allows Preachers to Perform Taraweeh Prayers in Makkah, Madinah

King Salman permits preachers to perform Taraweeh prayers at Makkah and Madinah's holy mosques. (AFP)
King Salman permits preachers to perform Taraweeh prayers at Makkah and Madinah's holy mosques. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz has permitting the preachers at Islam’s holiest mosques in Makkah and Madinah to perform nightly Ramadan Taraweeh prayers, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

However, worshippers from the public will not be permitted to attend due to restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

The Kingdom announced earlier this week the continued suspension of prayers at mosques nationwide.

Saudi Arabia has registered 12,772 cases in total as of Wednesday.

Separately, Saudi Arabia will arrange flights out of the Kingdom for non-national residents who wish to return to their home countries during the coronavirus outbreak, reported SPA.

Those holding valid residency visas should apply online and they will be sent flight details once arranged, it quoted the interior ministry as saying.

Saudi Arabia has suspended international flights and imposed curfews nationwide to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.

Flights will leave from airports in the capital Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam, SPA said.



GCC Secretary-General Praises Gulf-ASEAN Relations

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Praises Gulf-ASEAN Relations

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi emphasized the strong and multifaceted relationship between the GCC and ASEAN countries during a roundtable discussion on "ASEAN's Journey Towards Unity: Lessons in Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation" at the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The roundtable was held on Tuesday at the invitation of the ASEAN organization.

Albudaiwi described the GCC-ASEAN relationship as successful, having developed over time. He cited the 2023 summit, where leaders from both blocs expressed their desire to strengthen ties, as reflected in the final communique.

Albudaiwi attributed the enduring and growing relationship to shared interests since their respective formations, significant economic and trade opportunities, and strong bilateral relations among member states.

He commended ASEAN as a model for regional cooperation, economic growth, and diplomatic stability, praising its diplomatic approach and multilateral cooperation in fostering unity amidst regional and global diversity.