In a significant diplomatic move, Union Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, is set to visit Saudi Arabia from January 7th to 8th, 2024. Accompanying her on this crucial mission is Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, V. Muraleedharan.
The visit kicks off on January 7th with Minister Irani leading a delegation for the signing and exchange of the bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 in Jeddah. This occasion will also feature a bilateral meeting between Minister Irani and the Minister of Haj and Umrah Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah. Discussions will revolve around mutual interests, focusing on issues related to the forthcoming Haj in 2024. The delegation will also engage with the Indian business community and the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, fostering stronger ties.On January 8th, Minister Irani is slated to attend the opening ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the ‘Haj and Umrah Conference’ in Jeddah, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah Affairs.
The Indo-Saudi partnership, which has deepened in recent years, will be further strengthened during this visit, marked by sustained engagement across various sectors. The strategic significance of the Haj pilgrimage is highlighted, emphasizing its role as a vital dimension in the relationship between the two nations.
This visit is set to serve as a testament to the growing diplomatic ties between India and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the commitment to mutual cooperation and collaboration.
– By Vinod Kumar / Spl Correspondent, PB Dubai
