Saudi Gazette report

MINA — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, who is also supreme commander of the military forces, received several princes, ministers, senior scholars and high-ranking military officials at Mina Palace on Tuesday. They came to greet the monarch on the occasion of the Eid Al-Adha. Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, was also present. The guests included Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, senior officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council states, and commanders of military sectors and leaders of scouts taking part in this year’s Haj operation.

Addressing the audience, the King congratulated all citizens and Haj pilgrims on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. “Allah Almighty has honored this blessed country with the service of pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques that allows them to perform Haj rituals in ease and comfort. All efforts that have been made to serve pilgrims are a source of pride for our country since its establishment by the late King Abdul Aziz,” he said.

Saluting the armed personnel for their heroic acts and sacrifices, the monarch said: “The pilgrims and the whole world watch and feel your efforts in serving the pilgrims. This is your duty and an honor that you will be rewarded for by Allah Almighty.” The King added: “We are proud of the great sacrifices being made by the military personnel to defend our country and protect its holy place. On this blessed day, we remember our martyrs and heroes who sacrificed their lives for their religion and homeland, and we pray Allah Almighty to bestow mercy upon their souls and speedy recovery for the injured."

Speaking on behalf of the military officers taking part in the Haj operation, Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, assistant minister of interior for operations affairs and supervisor of the Public Security, offered Eid greetings of the military forces to the King.