Hajj minister attends closing ceremony of hajj season in Mecca

Afghanistan’s Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs attended the international closing ceremony of this year’s Hajj season at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and held meetings with Hajj ministers and officials from several countries.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the ministry said the ceremony was held in the holy city of Mecca to mark the successful conclusion of this year’s Hajj operations.

According to the statement, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah commended the efforts and effective management of Hajj missions from various countries, including Afghanistan.

The statement added that Al-Rabiah announced the start of preparations for next year’s Hajj season and provided representatives of participating countries with preliminary planning documents and a timetable for the upcoming pilgrimage.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs, Noor Mohammad Saqib, thanked the Saudi government, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and service providers for the facilities and services extended to pilgrims.

On the sidelines of the event, Saqib also met with several Hajj ministers and officials from other countries, exchanging views and information on matters of mutual interest and developments in their respective countries, the statement said.