The first batch of Iranian pilgrims arrived at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Monday after a hiatus of 9 years. The Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia hailed this as a positive step in Iranian-Saudi relations.
Alireza Enayati, Iran's Ambassador to Riyadh, affirmed that the restart of Umrah trips for Iranians came after an agreement between both nations following the restoration of relations in March 2023, under China's sponsorship.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Enayati stated that the first batch of Iranian pilgrims arrived in Madinah after a farewell by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador in Tehran, Abdullah Al-Anazi.
Enayati mentioned that these trips will continue until the Hajj season, thanking Saudi officials for facilitating the entry process for Iranian pilgrims and expressing the intent to sustain this effort beyond Hajj.
The Iranian Ambassador had immediately vowed to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia upon taking office.
Last December, both countries confirmed their commitment to an agreement reached in March 2023, with China’s support.
They’ve since reopened their embassies and agreed to cooperate more, especially in security and economics.
In November, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince met with Iran’s President on the sidelines of a summit in Riyadh. The Iranian president thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit to support the Palestinians amidst current challenges.
Enayati welcomed the Iranian pilgrims’ arrival in Madinah as a positive step for Iranian-Saudi relations. The pilgrims, who hadn't visited in nine years, landed this Monday.
The Iranian diplomat mentioned earlier agreements to ease pilgrimage trips.
Meanwhile, IRNA reported that a group of Iranian pilgrims flew directly from Tehran to Madinah. Farewell ceremonies took place at the Imam Khomeini International Airport, attended by officials including the Saudi Ambassador to Tehran.
