Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 19 February, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation from Saudi Arabia led by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, who arrived in the country on an official visit.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Saudi minister conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from King Salman Al Saud and Crown Prince, Prime Minister Mohammed Al Saud. As a symbol of friendship and respect, he also presented a fragment of the Kiswah (the sacred covering of the Kaaba) as a gift from the King to the people of Uzbekistan.

President Mirziyoyev expressed sincere gratitude to the leadership of Saudi Arabia for this valuable gift and for the support and favorable conditions provided to Uzbek pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. Last year alone, over 800,000 Uzbek citizens traveled to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for Umrah, while 15,000 pilgrims completed Hajj.

During the meeting, both sides discussed further improvements to facilities for Uzbek pilgrims, enhancing the quality of services, and ensuring safety and comfort during their stay in Saudi Arabia.