China FM to Visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Reuters file photo)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Reuters file photo)
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China FM to Visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Reuters file photo)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Reuters file photo)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on an official visit to the Kingdom.

China’s Ambassador in Riyadh Chen Weiqing said that he is visiting at the invitation of his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan. He will also meet with Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf during the trip.

Chen told Asharq Al-Awsat that Wang will discuss with the Saudi leadership and Prince Farhan issues of joint interest and means to bolster bilateral relations.

He added that Beijing shares Riyadh’s views on regional and international affairs.

Wang will discuss the crisis in Yemen and underscore China’s emphasis of the importance of the country’s unity and security. He will tackle the newly announced Saudi initiative aimed at resolving the crisis and paving the way for a comprehensive political solution.

They will also tackle the crisis in Syria and ways to push forward the political crisis.

China is working closely with Saudi Arabia and other friendly and allied countries to reach a political solution to the crisis, he stressed.

Saudi Arabia and China have set examples in cooperation that should be emulated by other countries, continued Chen.

On the coronavirus pandemic, the envoy said China was fully prepared to cooperate with the Kingdom to support the World Health Organization and unify global efforts to combat the outbreak and provide vaccines.

He revealed that China has so far produced five vaccines and was testing 17 others.

China has succeeded in curbing the outbreak and will achieve broader economic growth this year, he went on to say. It will work in coordination with Saudi Arabia to push forward global recovery in wake of the pandemic.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.