The Saudi ambassador bids farewell to the first group of Kyrgyz pilgrims
Osh Airport witnessed a unique Islamic and spiritual event as the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kyrgyz Republic, Iyad bin Ghazi Hakim, bid farewell to the first group of Kyrgyz pilgrims departing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year (1447 AH). The farewell ceremony was attended by prominent religious figures, including the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdulaziz Zakirov, and the Deputy Mufti of Osh, Sheikh Samiuddin Atabaev, lending an official and popular character to the occasion and reflecting the significance of this great spiritual journey.
The Kingdom's efforts in facilitating the journey of Kyrgyz pilgrims
During the farewell ceremony, the Saudi Ambassador expressed his profound happiness at sharing in the joy of the Kyrgyz pilgrims as they embarked on their spiritual journey. He highlighted the tremendous efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of its wise leadership, to dedicate all its resources to serving the pilgrims. These efforts encompass the integration of all governmental and private sectors to provide the highest quality services and streamline procedures, from issuing visas electronically and welcoming pilgrims at entry points to providing healthcare, security, and logistical support in Mecca and Medina, ensuring the performance of the Hajj rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind.
Bilateral relations: A historical extension of Islamic cooperation
This step comes within the context of a long history of strong fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kyrgyz Republic. Since the independence of the Central Asian states, the Kingdom has been keen to build bridges of cooperation and communication with the Muslim peoples of that region. Organizing Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages is one of the most important pillars of this cooperation, with the Kingdom providing ongoing facilities and allocated quotas commensurate with the number of Muslims there. This longstanding support reflects the Kingdom's leading role as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Qibla for Muslims, and affirms its enduring commitment to the well-being of the Muslim Ummah throughout the world.
The regional and international impact of organizing Hajj seasons
The impact of bidding farewell to the Hajj caravans extends far beyond Kyrgyzstan's borders, encompassing broad regional and international dimensions. Locally, this event represents the culmination of the long-awaited aspirations of thousands of Kyrgyz Muslims. Internationally, it highlights the Kingdom's immense organizational capabilities in managing crowds and welcoming millions of pilgrims from diverse cultures and languages simultaneously. This recurring success reinforces the Kingdom's soft power and demonstrates its exceptional competence in managing one of the world's largest gatherings of people peacefully and securely.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Kyrgyz officials and pilgrims expressed their appreciation for the exceptional care provided by the Kingdom's government to the guests of God. They conveyed their profound gratitude and sincere thanks to the Kingdom and its leadership for the outstanding services provided, raising their hands in supplication, praying that God protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and perpetuate its blessings of security, safety, prosperity, and stability, so that it may forever remain a source of strength and support for Islam and Muslims.
