Saudi Defense Minister, Presidential Leadership Chairman Discuss Roadmap Between Yemeni Parties

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman with the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman with the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi (SPA)
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Saudi Defense Minister, Presidential Leadership Chairman Discuss Roadmap Between Yemeni Parties

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman with the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman with the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi (SPA)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman discussed with the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman, Rashad al-Alimi, the latest developments and ways to enhance and support efforts to restore peace in Yemen.

Under the directives of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Defense Minister met with Alimi and members of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council in Riyadh.

The two sides discussed cooperation and coordination regarding the road map between the Yemeni parties to reach a comprehensive political solution to end the Yemeni crisis under UN supervision. They also addressed several issues of common interest.

The Minister stressed the Kingdom's continuous support for the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the importance of prioritizing the national interest of all parties to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace to contribute to the development and prosperity of Yemen and its people.

Yemen's state-owned Saba news agency said that Alimi reviewed the latest developments in the Yemeni situation and resuming the peaceful path in light of the Houthi militias' continued intransigence and human rights violations.

Saba reported that the Chairman and members of the Council affirmed their full support for Saudi efforts to renew the truce, alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, and launch a comprehensive political process that guarantees the restoration of state institutions, security, stability, and development.

The agency also conveyed the Saudi Defense Minister's confirmation of Riyadh's commitment to support the Council and encourage the Yemeni parties to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political solution under UN supervision, achieving security, peace, stability, and development in Yemen.

Later, the Saudi Defense Minister held talks with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu in Riyadh.

They discussed strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and France and various aspects of cooperation in the military and defense sectors.

They also addressed the latest developments in Gaza and its environs, and Prince Khalid emphasized the urgent need to cease military operations, protect innocent lives, and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid.



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.