The Saudi Ministry of Defence puts the security of pilgrims at the top of its priority to ease the performance of Hajj rites in Mina, Arafat, the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madina.

The Saudi Minister of Media, Mr Turki Al-Shabana, stated this at a farewell dinner organised on Wednesday night in Jeddah for international journalists and special guests of the Kingdom.

He reiterated the commitment of the Kingdom in continuing to improve on security strategies and services to pilgrims.

“God has honoured Saudi with the citing of the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madina,” he said.

Mr. Al-Shanana hailed King Salman Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, and the Crown Prince for their personal oversight and participation in preparation which led to the success of this year’s exercise.

“We celebrate today the success of this year’s hajj which you the media have transmitted the images and reports to the world.

“You have shown to the world the unique experience of Saudi as the best country in successful management of large crowd from different countries that converge to perform hajj annually.

“Let me also say that hajj also gives Muslims the opportunity to strengthen relationships and moderation,” he said.

The minister expressed appreciation to the media for being part of the success story of this year’s Hajj.

“Let me also congratulate my colleagues at all levels in the ministry of Hajj, your efforts are very much appreciated.

“We wish our colleagues, our country’s special guests from across the world who honoured the Kingdom’s invitation to be part of the success story of 2019 Hajj, a very successful trip back to your various countries,” he added.

Yasser Algeria, a TV editor from Algeria who spoke on behalf of the journalists, expressed appreciation “for the honour, very special hospitality” of the Saudi Kingdom.

“We have observed, covered and documented all hajj exercises by the pilgrims, nothing more that labaikallahummalabai,” Yasser said.

•Press conference addressed by Saudi Minister of Media, Turki Al-Shabana, Wednesday in Jeddah. Photo: Garba Mohammed.

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