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Syrian Pilgrims Arrive by Air in Saudi Arabia for 1st Time since 2012

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Syrian Pilgrims Arrive by Air in Saudi Arabia for 1st Time since 2012

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Jeddah received earlier this week the first flight from Damascus carrying Hajj pilgrims, after a hiatus that lasted more than 12 years since the diplomatic rupture in 2012.
In this regard, Dr. Mohammad Ayman Sousan, the Syrian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, pointed to the determination of the two countries’ leadership to develop and strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, “based on awareness of the importance of unifying the Arab position in the face of challenges facing our nation.”
“The reopening of the two countries’ embassies in Damascus and Riyadh, the appointment of ambassadors, the return of Syrians to perform the Hajj, the resumption of civil air traffic, and the formation of parliamentary brotherhood committees in the Saudi Shura Council and the Syrian People’s Assembly, are all indicators of […] the desire to strengthen [relations]…” the ambassador underlined.
He continued: “These indicators will inevitably constitute a qualitative addition to achieving unity in the Arab stance. The Syrian-Saudi relationship has always been an essential factor in controlling the rhythm of Arab positions regarding developments that affect Arab rights and interests.”
Commenting on Jeddah receiving the first group of Syrian pilgrims since the severing of relations more than 12 years ago, Sousan said: “We are very happy with the arrival of the first planes transporting Syrian pilgrims to King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. This was the result of cooperation between the concerned authorities in the two countries.”
“On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the brothers in the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Royal Saudi Civil Aviation Commission for the efforts they have made in this regard, which enabled Syrian citizens wishing to perform the holy obligation to reach the Kingdom,” he added.
According to the Syrian diplomat, pilgrims were provided with all necessary facilities and services upon their arrival to the airport in Jeddah.
He said he was pleased with the resumption of direct flights from Syria to the Kingdom, saying: “This will not be limited to the Hajj season, but rather regular flights between the two countries will be resumed, making it easier for Syrians residing in the Kingdom and Saudi brothers to visit Syria and travel directly from the Kingdom’s airports to Damascus International Airport…”
Sousan revealed that according to an agreement between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Syrian Ministry of Endowments, the Syrian share of the Hajj season is 17,500 pilgrims for this year, while those were selected according to criteria set by the Syrian Ministry of Endowments.”
He also stressed that the authorities concerned with Hajj in the Kingdom were making tremendous efforts to enable pilgrims to perform the holy duty in the best conditions and to provide them with various services, whether related to health, transportation and housing, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in Syria.

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Gulf

Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

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 (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed the solidity and strength of the GCC economy and its ability to face economic challenges, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.
Albudaiwi’s statement came in his recorded speech at the roundtable meeting between the GCC and American companies, which was held under the patronage of the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in the US capital, Washington.
The steps taken by the GCC countries to strengthen trade and investment ties with the US focused greatly on the mutual benefits of this economic partnership, said Albudaiwi.
He also stressed that the six GCC countries enjoy long-term and strong trade and investment relations with the US, and these relations are witnessing clear and significant progress, explaining that these partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth, innovation and development across various sectors.
During his speech, he projected some statistics that confirm the progress of cooperation between the two sides, such as achieving bilateral trade between the GCC countries and the US in 2023 of around $180 billion.
GCC countries have also achieved great success in the energy sectors, ranking first globally in crude oil production and reserves and second in natural gas reserves, he noted.
Touching on future strategic GCC projects, such as the GCC railway project, he said it will enhance connectivity between Middle Eastern countries and provide great cooperation opportunities with American partners. He added that the Council countries are working at an accelerated pace to develop digital infrastructure and transition to a technology-based diversified economy.
Albudaiwi concluded by expressing the commitment of the GCC countries to enhancing stability and development in the region, pointing to the ongoing GCC's efforts to resolve regional conflicts and maintain peace and security to achieve more growth and prosperity. He underscored the determination of the GCC countries to deepen cooperation with the US, and ensure sustainable economic growth for future generations on both sides.