Qatar has responded positively to Saudi Arabia’s decision to open its border with with the Gulf Arab nation for Hajj pilgrims, but also criticized a “politicization” of the key pilgrimage, according to reports.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, said in a press conference in Stockholm, Sweden that “regardless of the fact that the pilgrimage was prohibited for Qataris for political reasons, we do welcome this decision.”
The first batch of 100 Qatari pilgrims today crossed into Saudi Arabia through the Salwa border crossing, and were welcomed by officials, Arab News reports. The pilgrims were allowed in without Hajj permits, and will be treated as guests of King Salman, with all expenses paid.
The National Human Rights Committee in Qatar said in a statement that it “is deeply satisfied with the decision of the Saudi authorities” and considers it “a step forward to remove all obstacles and difficulties that have been facing the Qatari pilgrims this year,” MEMO reports.
