Afghan, Saudi Officials Discuss Hajj Quotas and Bilateral Ties

A significant meeting took place in Kabul between Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs, Hafiz Mawlawi Mohammad Hamid Haseeb, and Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Kabul, Faisal bin Talaq Al-Baqimi. The discussions centered on bolstering the already strong relationship between the two nations, which are bound by deep religious, cultural, and historical ties rooted in Islamic brotherhood.

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Relations between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia were rooted not only in political engagement but also in deep religious, cultural and historical ties based on Islamic brotherhood.

The primary focus of the talks was the expansion of opportunities for Afghans to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Increasing the quotas for these sacred journeys is a matter of great importance for the Afghan people, and both sides are committed to facilitating greater access.

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The organization of the Hajj pilgrimage is a key area of cooperation between the two countries.

Beyond pilgrimage arrangements, the officials explored avenues for broader cooperation across various sectors. This includes strengthening exchanges between religious scholars from both countries, focusing on guidance, preaching, and other religious matters. The shared commitment to Islamic values and the desire to enhance mutual understanding were evident throughout the discussions.

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Saudi Arabia considered the Afghan people as religious brothers and had maintained longstanding support and cooperation.

Ambassador Al-Baqimi reiterated Saudi Arabia's consistent support for the Afghan people, viewing them as religious brothers. The meeting underscored the mutual desire to further enhance bilateral relations, particularly in areas that foster spiritual connection and cultural understanding, reinforcing the unique bond between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.

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The need for greater coordination and exchange of expertise between religious scholars of both countries in areas such as guidance, preaching and other religious affairs.