Taliban’s Minister of Hajj Attends 2024 International Hajj Closing Ceremony in Mecca

The Ministry of Hajj and Endowments of the Taliban administration announced that Noor Muhammad Thaqib, the minister of this department, participated in this year’s international Hajj closing ceremony in the city of Mecca upon the invitation of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The ceremony was held to mark the successful conclusion of this year’s Hajj operations.

According to a statement published on Saturday on the social media platform X, at the event, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, expressed appreciation for the efforts and management of Hajj delegations from various countries, including Afghanistan.

The statement further noted that the Saudi official announced the commencement of preparations for next year’s Hajj, providing preliminary documents of the planning and timetable for the upcoming Hajj to representatives of participating countries.

Noor Muhammad Thaqib also expressed gratitude during the ceremony to the Saudi government, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and its service institutions for the facilities and services provided to the pilgrims of the Holy House of Allah.

According to the Ministry of Hajj and Endowments, on the sidelines of the program, the Taliban minister met with several ministers of Hajj and officials from other countries, exchanging views on shared interests and developments in their respective countries.