MOGADISHU, Somalia (KAAB TV) – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has extended an invitation to Muslim world leaders attending Hajj this year in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, including former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
Sharif was among thousands of Somalis participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.
In a statement afterward, former President Sharif expressed gratitude to the leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for their unwavering commitment to enhancing the services provided to this year’s revered guests of Allaah’s Holy Mosque undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.
“In particular, I wish to convey my gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for graciously extending an invitation to the distinguished luncheon of honor, which included officials involved in overseeing this year’s Hajj proceedings, an event in which I was privileged to participate,” President Sharif said in a statement.
“I commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their steadfast support of Islamic nations, notably their commendable efforts in promoting peacebuilding initiatives in Somalia and their longstanding commitment to providing vital humanitarian aid to the Somali people,” he added.
The event held in Makkah was also attended by several dignitaries from other Muslim countries.
This year, Saudi authorities launched the Nusk digital identification card, which contains information about the pilgrims and the services provided to them, enabling authorities to offer services quickly and efficiently.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Interior, the Makkah Road Initiative was expanded to include seven countries and eleven airports, through which more than 316,000 pilgrims arrived this year.
These pilgrims completed entry procedures from the airports of their countries and were transported directly to their places of residence in Mecca and Medina with ease.