KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs Maulvi Noor Mohammad Saqib has urged Saudi Arabia to increase Hajj quota and Umrah facilities for Afghan pilgrims.
He issued the call at a meeting with Saudi Ambassador in Kabul Faisal Torki Al-Bugam on Tuesday, the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs (MoHRA) said.
A statement from the ministry said the two sides discussed strengthened bilateral ties in various areas between Kabul and Riyadh and facilitating the Hajj process for the 1446 Islamic calendar year.
Saqib described Saudi Arabia’s role as central in promoting Islamic unity and bringing together Muslims worldwide.
He also appreciated the kingdom’s continued assistance to and cooperation with Afghanistan, particularly in facilitating Hajj and Umrah for Afghan pilgrims.
Saqib urged the envoy to increase Afghanistan’s Hajj quota for the upcoming year, enhance facilities for Umrah pilgrims and provide compensation for Afghanistan’s endowment land in Saudi Arabia, which was included in the Grand Mosque expansion project.
He suggested that alternative land or buildings near the Grand Mosque be allocated as a replacement.
The ambassador assured his cooperation in addressing the requests. He said Saudi Arabia aimed to maintain positive and constructive relations with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
kk/mud
