‘Iran’s attempts to politicise Hajj in vain’

Jeddah : Minister of Information Affairs Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi has affirmed that Iran’s attempts to politicise Hajj rituals are “desperate and unsuccessful”. 

“Saudi Arabia is robust, and is leading the world in combating terrorism, and Iran will gain nothing from these attempts, except more failures,” he said. 

 “Saudi Arabia is strong with its leadership and people, and the solidarity of the Arab and Islamic nations against the frivolous attempts of the Tehran regime,” the Minister said in a statement.

Al Rumaihi lauded the tremendous efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia in serving Hajj pilgrims to ensure that they perform Hajj rituals easily, safely and comfortably.

 He denounced the “suspicious” attempts to politicise the Hajj season and spark sectarian strife, dismissing such attempts as being contrary to moral values principles, as well as the tolerant Islamic precepts.

The Minister reiterated the Kingdom of Bahrain’s full-fledged and unwavering support to the dedicated efforts of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in serving the Islamic Religion and Muslims.

 He also underlined Bahrain’s backing of all the security and regulatory measures and integrated precautionary procedures taken by Saudi Arabia, under the supervision and follow-up of Crown Prince, Deputy Premier, Interior Minister and Head of the Civil Defence Council and the Supreme Hajj Commission, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to safeguard the security of the Two Holy Mosques and ensure safety, security and easy procedures for pilgrims while they are performing the rituals.

He voiced confidence in the ability of the Saudi authorities to foil all Iranian plots aimed at spreading chaos, igniting political or sectarian disputes, subverting security and stability, creating controversies among pilgrims, as well as to prevent any manifestations that may affect the sanctity of the holy sites. 

He also rejected the abusive interference and hostile statements, calling for the need to respect the principles of Islamic fraternity and abide by the international covenants.

Al Rumaihi said that the Arab and Islamic worlds, at the official, popular and parliamentary levels, rallied together behind Saudi Arabia in recognition of its historical efforts in caring for pilgrims throughout the year through providing them with the best medical services, as well as security, regulatory and administrative facilities.

 They also joined ranks in supporting Saudi Arabia in recognition of its honourable stances in championing Arab and Islamic causes and serving humanity, the minister added.