The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdul-aziz, on Monday, August 12, hosted his 2019 Hajj special guests comprising 10 selected foreign journalists, foreign envoys and heads of hajj operations from 130 countries to a reception.

Two of the journalists accorded the privilege are from Nigeria. They are Garba Muhammad, Regional Editor (North-West) of the Lagos-based daily News Express online newspapers, and Hafsat Abubakar of the Abuja-based Daily Trust. Other came from Pakistan, India, Egypt and Mauritania.

Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barr Abdullah Mukhtar Mohammed, were also in attendance.

The guests were treated to a royal handshake and special royal meal at the palace.

In a brief remark at the reception that took place at the Banquet Hall of the Royal Palace, Mina, the monarch expressed gratitude to Allah for choosing Saudi to be the home of Islam’s holiest sites.

“I welcome you all from the vicinity of the two holy mosques of Allah. I congratulate you and thank you for your selfless service to the guest of Allah.

“May Allah return you safely to your various countries and have an acceptable hajj by Allah,” the King said.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Mohammed Sale Bin Taher Bente, said that leading world figures in the areas of sports, media, technology and social services are hosted by the King when they come to perform the hajj.

He said that the Kingdom this year also hosted thousands of individuals and families of martyrs in New Zealand, Palestine and other parts of the world.

Dr. Bente disclosed that over 2.5 pilgrims from 130 countries of the world stood at Arafat during this year’s hajj.

He noted that the directive by the custodian of the two holy mosques for the ease of issue of electronic visa without necessarily visiting the embassies abroad has made things easier for the pilgrims.

The minister added that the King had also inaugurated the Haramiya railway line from Makkah to Madina and has personally traveled in the train

“I congratulate you all and may it recall to you that Allah has honored the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“I also congratulate all our pilgrims for the stand at Arafat and wish you all the special guest of King Salman, the custodian of the two Holy mosque fruitful completion of Hajj rites and a safe trip back to your countries,” Dr. Bente said.

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