By Abdulaziz Ghazzawi

Okaz / Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — Minister of Haj and Umrah Mohammad Saleh Benten will start receiving the heads of Haj delegations and missions from 50 Arab and Islamic countries to discuss with them the preparations being made for pilgrims from their countries.

The ministry said the meetings would continue for three months during which the minister and his deputy Abdul Fattah Mshshat will hold talks with delegations and discuss with them the affairs of the pilgrims, problems they encountered during the previous seasons and ways to address them.

The minister and his deputy will also receive Haj delegations of Muslims living in non-Muslim countries.

The ministry said the meetings, which are annually held before the Haj season, are aimed at ensuring the guests of God with excellent services that will enable them do the rites in ease, peace and comfort.

It said these meetings would also further strengthen the ties between the Kingdom and the Arab and Islamic countries in all fields.

It said the heads of the delegations would discuss with the minister and his deputy the affairs of their pilgrims and the provision of the best of services for them including reception on arrival, transport, accommodation and sustenance.

The minister will also brief his guests on the ministry's Haj plan, which will focus on the Shariah aspects of the pilgrimage, the behavior of the pilgrims, their safety and well being and other issues concerning its efforts to make the Haj a safe journey.