The Minister of Hajj and Umrah Concludes Official Visits to the Russian Federation and Its Regions
وزير الحج والعمرة يختتم زيارات رسمية للاتحاد الروسي والأقاليم التابعة لها
His Excellency Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program, concluded today a tour that included the Russian Federation and its regions (Chechnya, Dagestan, and Tatarstan). Leading a high-level delegation from the guests of Allah service system, he held numerous consultative and introductory meetings aimed at fostering cooperation between local and international partners to improve services for pilgrims and visitors. Dr. Al-Rabiah welcomed pilgrims from the four countries, through various entry points throughout the year, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing the opportunity for as many Muslims as possible to perform the rituals and pray in the Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah. He highlighted efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving the highest satisfaction levels among the guests of Allah and ensuring sustainable development and improvement of services by utilizing digital solutions provided by Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives through the Pilgrim Experience Program (one of the executive programs of Vision 2030) and partners from various ministries, authorities, and private and non-profit sector institutions. He began his tour in the Chechen region by meeting Governor Ramzan Kadyrov, who praised Saudi Arabia's efforts and initiatives that made it possible for all those wishing to perform the rituals and reach the Two Holy Mosques with ease and peace of mind. Governor Sergey Melikov of Dagestan also received Dr. Al-Rabiah to review the development efforts, including initiatives, services, and regulatory measures that ensure a smooth journey from arrival to departure. Rustam Minnikhanov, Governor of Tatarstan, received Minister Al-Rabiah and his accompanying delegation to discuss ways to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims from Tatarstan to Makkah and Al-Madinah. In the Russian capital, Moscow, Al-Rabiah met with His Excellency Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee, who praised the initiatives and services provided by Saudi Arabia to Russian pilgrims. Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia, also received the Minister of Hajj and Umrah and his delegation to discuss ways to facilitate the Umrah and visit procedures for Russian pilgrims and improve the services provided to them. Al-Rabiah also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who commended Saudi initiatives and services that facilitate the journey of Russian pilgrims and visitors, contributing to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit included meetings, workshops, and introductory sessions on the "Nusuk" platform, as well as the inauguration of the "Nusuk" exhibition in Moscow, which witnessed significant participation from over 200 Umrah and travel companies from Saudi Arabia and Russia. The aim was to promote cooperation between service providers and introduce new and distinguished services offered by the platform, including services for aviation, accommodation, transportation, various logistical support, and activation of programs and tours to unique historical and cultural sites in Makkah and Al-Madinah. These visits come as part of ongoing international outreach efforts, in line with the goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030. The program aims to meet the expectations of pilgrims and visitors from around the world by enhancing coordination and joint work with relevant entities, ensuring the improvement of the guests of Allah's experience in all aspects of their journey, and enabling the hosting of more Umrah pilgrims and visitors with ease and convenience.