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Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
FM Araghchi: Iran won't allow any disruption in relations with Saudi Arabia
Saudi Gazette report TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that relations with Saudi Arabia have become a matter of significant concern in light of recent developments, reported. He emphasized that Tehran is keen on maintaining bilateral relations and ensuring that the Hajj season is not affected. Araghchi emphasized that Iran will continue its fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia and will not allow any disruption to them. "The issue of relations with Saudi Arabia is receiving critical attention due to the recent developments. I am in contact with our friends in the mission of the Supreme Leader as well as with the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, to ensure that there is no disruption to the process of sending Iranian pilgrims or Hajj-related arrangements," he said. "We are completely serious about relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The neighborhood policy we initiated some time ago is a very important policy, and Saudi Arabia occupies a very important position in this policy," he added. It is noteworthy that the visit of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Iran and meeting top Iranian leaders last month was instrumental in further improving the bilateral relations between the two countries. During his official visit to the Iranian capital, the Saudi minister met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri.
Saudi Gazette
06-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Minister Fathy: Egypt is coordinating with Saudi Arabia to prevent unauthorized Hajj
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Egyptian Minister of Tourism Sherif Fathy emphasized that there has been full coordination with Saudi Arabia since the last four months to prevent unauthorized Hajj. "We are keen to confront the Hajj mafia who attempt to facilitate performing Hajj without obtaining the official permits. The Ministry of Tourism is capable of protecting pilgrims who travel through legitimate and approved entities, while those wishing to perform Hajj by resorting to unauthorized entities are the losers," the minister said while speaking to and It is noteworthy that the Egyptian authorities have launched intensive campaigns to crack down on the mafia of illegal Hajj firms in the country. The Egyptian Ministry of Interior has succeeded in busting more than 3,000 illegal firms, as well as brokers and fraudsters who defraud those wishing to perform Hajj without a permit. Fathy said that there are legitimate channels for the organization of Hajj and Umrah. "Everyone, who follows legitimate and legal methods in performing Hajj and Umrah, will be under the protection of the state and the ministry," he said. The minister emphasized that legitimate methods are coordinated with the Egyptian Travel Agents Association to organize pilgrims' travel through legitimate and official channels and ensure they receive standard services. He emphasized the need to impose penalties on violators. Egypt had announced a set of regulations for various types of entry visas for its citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia, effective from the end of last month until the end of the Hajj season. Egypt's Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Ismail Khairat said that the regulations issued by the Saudi authorities to regulate entry into the Kingdom during the current period, including those pertaining to Egyptian citizens, are summarized in several provisions, including a ban on all categories of people entering Makkah specifically from April 23, until June 11, including residents of the Kingdom, with the exception of three categories. He said that the three categories are those who have obtained an official Hajj permit, residents holding residency permits issued only from Makkah, and those working inside Makkah under a special permit. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged citizens to adhere to the regulations and conditions for all types of entry visas to Saudi Arabia, strictly adhere to the validity of the visa granted to them and the dates of their departure from the Kingdom, and not to remain in Makkah so as to avoid falling under the law and being subject to legal accountability. It is noteworthy that at least 600 Egyptians were among more than 1300 Hajj pilgrims died mainly due to extreme heat and sunstroke during the Hajj of 2024.
