Mina Palace: On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, hosted the annual reception at the Royal Court in Mina Palace. The event welcomed heads of state, high officials, Muslim dignitaries, guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, government agency guests, and heads of delegations and pilgrim affairs offices who performed Hajj this year. Distinguished attendees included Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Beninese Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata Zime Yerima, and former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the reception began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech from HRH the Crown Prince. In his address, the Crown Prince extended congratulations to all Muslims on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and highlighted Saudi Arabia's dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating pilgrims' rituals. He also addressed the ongoing suffering in Palestine, urging the international community to protect civilians and establish peace in line with international resolutions.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah reviewed the preparations for this year's Hajj season, emphasizing the integration and efficiency achieved under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince. The efforts of the Hajj Project Management Office led to over 670 service agreements and innovations in various sectors, including energy, transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Sheikh Muhammad bin Ahmed Hussein, representing the Muslim World League, spoke about the significance of Hajj in preserving Islamic unity and acknowledged Saudi Arabia's role in promoting reconciliation and solidarity. He expressed gratitude for the Kingdom's support of the Palestinian cause and its efforts to halt violence in Gaza.
Syria's Minister of Endowments Sheikh Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri conveyed appreciation from Hajj affairs offices for the exceptional services provided to pilgrims. He acknowledged the Kingdom's consistent efforts to improve Hajj experiences through infrastructure development and advanced technologies, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
In conclusion, the reception underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to its sacred mission of serving Islam and Muslims, with a focus on enhancing the pilgrim experience through innovative solutions and dedicated service.