Al-Sudais, Indian CG discuss Haram expansion, Haj services

30 Jan, 2014 | Jeddah | Arabnews Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai briefed Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, about the preparations being made in India for Haj pilgrims. Kidwai called on Al-Sudais at his Makkah office recently to brief him on the preparations and also to offer condolences to him on demise of his father Shaikh Abdulaziz Al-Sudais. Al-Sudais briefed the Indian envoy about the ongoing expansion projects at Haram and the commitment of the Saudi leadership to ensure that pilgrims perform rituals without any problems, a statement issued by Presidency of Two Holy Mosque Affairs said. Al-Sudais noted that Indian pilgrims would be one of the largest groups to reap the benefits of the expansion of Haram along with other countries. He hailed the bilateral relations between the Kingdom and India including political, economic and religious, the statement said. “The Indian envoy briefed Al-Sudais about the preparations and orientation progammes for Haj pilgrims before they leave India to reduce congestion in Haram. He also told Al-Sudais about a short movie produced in India describing Haj rituals,” the statement noted. The head of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs extended his cooperation to work with Indian Consulate for pilgrim service. Kidwai was accompanied by Haj consul Mohammed Noor Rahman Shaikh and other officials. Al-Sudais presented a memento and a copy of the Holy Qur’an to Kidwai. According to sources, Al-Sudais recalled his visit to India in 2011 when he spent three days, and his meetings with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other high-ranking officials. - Arabnews