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Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: A farewell ceremony for the outgoing ambassadors of Australia, Cyprus, Hungry and Mexico took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter on Monday. The event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys' service, commitment and contribution to diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral level. 'During their tenure they did a good job, serving to expand bilateral relations between their countries and Saudi Arabia to new horizons of success and prosperity. I would like to extend them all the best in their life and future endeavors," said Bamakhrama, who is also the Djibouti ambassador. He mentioned his involvement with them at occasions such as meeting the Riyadh governor during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: 'It was good sharing memories with you, we will miss you.' Mexican ambassador Anibal Gomez Toledo thanked the dean and the Saudi government for their support during his time in the Kingdom. 'You have been very supportive, and a good friend. It has been an honor for me to be here with you all,' he said, praising the warm Saudi hospitality he had enjoyed. 'I think the Middle East has been a very humanitarian experience for me,' he said, adding the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 was an inspiration to many other countries. Australian ambassador Mark Donovan said he had enjoyed his time in Riyadh and the good relationships he had experienced. 'It was always very professional and very polite. I consider myself lucky to be here,' he said. 'So my whole experience was pleasant. I will miss the Saudi hospitality, the warmth of working here with you all. Technology today allows us to keep in touch much easier than it did 30 years ago — I'm on Facebook, anybody can find me. I wish you all the best.' Cypriot ambassador Alexis Phedonos-Vadet said: 'I am very grateful to be with you all (in) such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Me and my wife thank you all for the support, friendship and cooperation. It has been an incredible journey.' Hungary's ambassador, Balazs Selmeci, said he appreciated the opportunity to get together with everyone before saying goodbye to the Kingdom. 'It really has been a privilege to be a part of what has happened here, the ongoing transformation. There are going to be some good times.' He also thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting and helping countries evacuating citizens from Sudan. Both Saudi citizens and the nationals of other friendly countries were evacuated in mid-2023, with Royal Saudi Navy vessels and Royal Saudi Air Force planes playing a key part. Also attending the farewell ceremony were the heads of various missions, ambassadors and other Saudi officials.
Arab News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
‘No Hajj Without Permit' rule a cornerstone of excellence
The remarkable success achieved in organizing this year's Hajj could not have been realized without the grace and generosity of God, first and foremost, followed by the wisdom of the leadership of Saudi Arabia. This success reflects their deep commitment to the Kingdom's religious responsibility and leadership role, and to the sacred trust bestowed upon them in serving the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites. Saudi Arabia has once again risen to the occasion — and beyond — demonstrating dedication and sincerity. The title 'Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,' held by its kings, is not merely ceremonial but rooted in genuine conviction, love and faith. This is what we have consistently witnessed over the years, particularly through the extensive expansions and outstanding developments of the Two Holy Mosques and the sacred sites. This year, the pilgrims performed their rituals in an atmosphere of faith and tranquility, supported by exceptional security, healthcare, nourishment, religious guidance and expert crowd management. Nearly 2 million pilgrims from all corners of the world moved in unity, within limited space and time, with dignity and peace. Saudi Arabia has once again risen to the occasion — and beyond — demonstrating dedication and sincerity Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama The organization of this year's Hajj was widely recognized as exemplary by all standards. One of the key pillars of its success was the strict and precise enforcement of the policy of 'No Hajj Without Permit.' The effectiveness of this measure, along with tight inspection at the entrances to Makkah, proved to be instrumental in ensuring discipline, compliance and overall success. As diplomats and representatives of our countries' Hajj missions, we were among the first to celebrate these outstanding outcomes, as they directly benefited our pilgrims and spared us numerous logistical and organizational challenges. Accordingly, we fully supported the measures undertaken by the relevant Saudi authorities — measures built upon years of experience, rigorous studies, diligent follow-up, ongoing monitoring and numerous events, seminars and conferences all aimed at improving services for the pilgrims. During the Hajj season, the Saudi state — from its highest leadership, represented by the king and crown prince, through all governmental institutions and ministries, and even voluntary organizations and individuals — works within an integrated system to serve the guests of God. These collective efforts have produced deeply satisfying results. I recall the message delivered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf of King Salman, to the pilgrims in Mina. He said: 'Allah Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors — pilgrims, Umrah performers and guests. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed this mission at the forefront of its priorities, dedicating all its capabilities to facilitate the pilgrims' performance of their rituals with ease and comfort. With God's help and guidance, the Kingdom will continue to fulfill this great responsibility and noble service.' There was a broad consensus that regulations and procedures are essential to safeguarding and serving pilgrims Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama I personally monitored the affairs of my country's Hajj delegation — the Republic of Djibouti — and found widespread satisfaction and gratitude among our pilgrims. This same sentiment was echoed by my colleagues — ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions — who oversaw their own nations' Hajj missions. There was a broad consensus that regulations and procedures, when crafted with care and foresight, are essential to safeguarding and serving pilgrims. We commend the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for its strategic and effective use of digital technologies in the post-pandemic era, which has greatly streamlined processes and saved time. We also extend our appreciation to the Ministry of Health for providing world-class healthcare services — from minor ailments to complex heart surgeries — with efficiency and compassion. Likewise, we acknowledge the efforts of the security and military sectors, whose personnel, both men and women, tirelessly served pilgrims on the ground. We applaud the Saudi guides and volunteers — young men and women who spoke multiple languages and served with passion, humility and devotion, seeking only the reward of Allah. We also recognize the commitment of Hajj missions from across the Islamic world and beyond, who fulfilled their responsibilities to their pilgrims with care and dedication. On behalf of the Republic of Djibouti — its government and people — and on behalf of my fellow ambassadors and diplomatic colleagues, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Saudi Arabia for its extraordinary efforts. We congratulate the Kingdom and ourselves on this remarkable achievement. We call on all pilgrims to remain disciplined and to follow all guidelines and instructions — now and in future seasons — so that this success continues as a lasting symbol of the excellence of Islamic rituals. For indeed, Hajj is a manifestation of brotherhood, altruism, selflessness, order and discipline.
