Saudi FM Discusses Tensions with His Indian, Pakistani Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
TT
20

Saudi FM Discusses Tensions with His Indian, Pakistani Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, held separate telephone calls on Saturday with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts where discussions focused on de-escalating military tensions between the two countries.

During his telephone talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar., the Saudi minister reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to regional security and stability, emphasizing its strong and balanced relations with both friendly nations.

In relation, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir visited India and Pakistan on May 8 and 9, following directives from the Saudi leadership in a diplomatic effort aimed at defusing tensions between the two countries.

In a statement on Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit is part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to de-escalate tension, end ongoing military confrontations, and promote dialogue and diplomatic channels as a means to resolve disputes between the two nations.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received al-Jubeir in Islamabad on Thursday. The two discussed the recent developments in the region, underscoring the importance of diplomatic channels and peaceful solutions to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Shahbaz expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan’s government said in a statement, praising the positive fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Al-Jubeir had on Wednesday met in New Delhi with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. In a post on X, the Indian Prime Minister described the meeting as “productive”.

On April 30, Saudi Arabia expressed concern about the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

In an official statement, the Kingdom urged the two countries to defuse tensions and resolve the disputes through diplomatic means.
 



Iranian Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia to Return Home via Jadidat Arar Crossing

The first Iranian pilgrims’ flights departed from Madinah airport. (Madinah Principality)
The first Iranian pilgrims’ flights departed from Madinah airport. (Madinah Principality)
TT
20

Iranian Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia to Return Home via Jadidat Arar Crossing

The first Iranian pilgrims’ flights departed from Madinah airport. (Madinah Principality)
The first Iranian pilgrims’ flights departed from Madinah airport. (Madinah Principality)

Iranian pilgrims began departing Saudi Arabia on Sunday in organized batches under a joint air-and-land travel program, authorities said, following the closure of Iranian airspace following strikes between Iran and Israel.

The move came in line with a directive by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and in response to guidance from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The first group of pilgrims left Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, heading to Arar Airport near the Saudi border. From there, they will continue their journey overland to the Jadidat Arar border crossing into Iraq.

Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization announced that the return of pilgrims to their country will begin on June 15, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported.

The agency said the arrangements were made in cooperation with the Saudi government. Pilgrims will be flown by Saudi Airlines from Madinah to Arar Airport near the Iraqi border.

From Arar, pilgrims will continue by dedicated buses to the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, where they will stay briefly to perform religious visits at the shrines of the Ahl al-Bayt.

Afterward, they will resume their journey to the Iran border using an Iranian land transport fleet before entering the country.

Crown Prince Mohammed had instructed the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide all necessary support to ensure the safe return of Iranian pilgrims and to facilitate their departure given the conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

With direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Iran suspended, a carefully coordinated plan was implemented to evacuate approximately 77,000 stranded pilgrims.

The first group of pilgrims arrived at Jadidat Arar on Sunday. Several daily flights to Arar, each carrying around 350 pilgrims, are being conducted, with roughly 3,000 pilgrims transported each day as part of this initial phase.

These efforts reflect Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian approach to hosting and serving the guests of the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring their safe return home despite complex regional challenges.

The operation underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to facilitating pilgrimage for people of all nationalities.