Saudi Gazette report

MINA — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the role of the international community in ending the disastrous repercussions of the Israeli aggression on Gaza. He made the remarks while addressing the annual reception for heads of state, leaders of countries and distinguished dignitaries performing Hajj this year at the Royal Court of Mina Palace on Saturday.

The Crown Prince delivered the speech on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. "This blessed Eid Al-Adha comes while our brothers in Palestine continue to suffer as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression. We emphasize the role of the international community in ending the disastrous repercussions of this aggression, as well as in protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality where Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions," he said.

At the outset of the speech, the Crown Prince said: "It is our pleasure, from the vicinity of the Sacred House of God, to congratulate you and all Muslims around the world on the blessed Eid Al-Adha. We ask God Almighty to accept the pilgrims' Hajj and good deeds," he said.

The Crown Prince highlighted Saudi Arabia's lofty position in serving Islam and Muslims, especially the Hajj pilgrims. "God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors. Saudi Arabia has placed this at the forefront of its priorities, devoting all its capabilities to serving the guests of God and facilitating performance of their rituals in ease and comfort," he said while reaffirming that Saudi Arabia, with God's help and guidance, will continue this endeavor, recognizing the great responsibility and honor of service.

"We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, and in all Muslim countries and across the world, and to accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the Sacred House of God, and enable them return safely to their families," the Crown Prince added.

The reception was attended by several eminent Islamic figures, guests of the King, guests of government agencies, heads of delegations, and pilgrim affairs offices. The dignitaries included President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Vice President of Benin Mariam Chabi Talata Zimi Berima; and former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Hajj Guests Service Program Committee Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Secretary General of the Muslim World League for Jerusalem and Palestine and Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Hussein, and Syrian Minister of Endowments Sheikh Mohammed Abu al-Khair Shukri also spoke on the occasion.

In his speech Al-Rabiah highlighted the most notable achievements of this year's Hajj season, including the implementation of 46 new energy projects with a total cost of over SR3 billion, as well as several projects in the transport and health sectors. This is in addition to several infrastructure projects with more than 300,000 square meters of shaded areas and updating of the Nusuk app to provide more than 130 digital services and streamlining of the Nusuk Masar digital platform.