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Iran's Ambassador: Our Pilgrims Continue to Arrive in the Kingdom for Hajj
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Saudi Arabia /Elections & Politics

Iran's Ambassador: Our Pilgrims Continue to Arrive in the Kingdom for Hajj

From Asharq Al-Awsat · (6m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The first group of Iranian pilgrims has arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Saudi Arabia is providing an integrated system of services for pilgrims from around the world.
  • Iran's ambassador expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and services, highlighting coordination between Saudi and Iranian authorities.

The arrival of the first contingent of Iranian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia marks a significant moment, facilitating the sacred Hajj rituals amid a comprehensive service system established by the Kingdom for global pilgrims. Iran's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, confirmed that the second batch of pilgrims would arrive shortly, emphasizing the warm reception extended by Saudi Arabia to all visitors, including Iranians. This year's Hajj proceeds smoothly following Iran's reopening of its airspace, with initial administrative and social staff having already arrived on April 18.

Saudi Arabia is dedicating substantial resources to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and comfort. Ambassador Enayati conveyed his hopes for a seamless pilgrimage experience for the Iranians and their safe return home, acknowledging the diligent efforts of both Saudi and Iranian authorities. The Iranian embassy stands ready to provide any necessary assistance, maintaining close coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Recent diplomatic engagements, including a phone call between the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers, underscore the ongoing efforts to manage regional developments and diplomatic initiatives.

The Makkah Road Initiative, implemented by Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry for eight years, is a key component of the Pilgrim Experience Program, streamlining the journey for pilgrims from ten participating countries. This initiative, which has served over 1.2 million pilgrims since 2017, exemplifies the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience through integrated services. From the Saudi perspective, facilitating the Hajj is a matter of profound religious and national importance, showcasing the Kingdom's custodianship of the holy sites and its dedication to serving Islam's faithful.

They are being generously welcomed by Saudi Arabia, as are all pilgrims and as have all Iranians over the years.

โ€” Alireza EnayatiDescribing the reception of Iranian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.