Union Minister Smriti Irani reaches Saudi Arabia on two-day visit for signing and exchange of bilateral Haj Agreement

Union Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Ms Smriti Zubin Irani, reached Saudi Arabia today on a two-day visit. Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V. Muraleedharan is also accompanying her on the visit.

Ms Irani is 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. Tomorrow, Ms Irani is slated to attend the opening ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the ‘Haj and Umrah Conference’ in Jeddah, organised 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 cooperation and collaboration.