Shavkat Mirziyoyev Receives Saudi Delegation, Discusses Pilgrimage Cooperation

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, received a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah.

During the meeting, the Saudi minister conveyed sincere greetings and best wishes from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. As a symbol of friendship and respect, he presented a piece of the sacred Kiswah of the Kaaba as a special gift to the multiethnic people of Uzbekistan. President Mirziyoyev expressed deep gratitude to the Saudi leadership for this invaluable gesture, as well as for the continuous support provided to Uzbek pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah.

Last year, over 800,000 Uzbek citizens performed Umrah, while 15,000 completed Hajj, reflecting the strong religious and cultural ties between the two nations. The discussions focused on further enhancing the conditions and quality of services for Uzbek pilgrims, ensuring their safety and comfort during their spiritual journeys to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthening cooperation in religious affairs and facilitating pilgrimage opportunities for Uzbek citizens.