By Mohammed Al-Iklaibi

Okaz / Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — France's Consul General to the Kingdom Mustafa Mihraje has said his country totally rejects the politicization of the Haj.

"This is a religious event which should not be politicized," he said.

The consul said there are 24,000 pilgrims from his country doing Haj this year who have all been issued electronic Haj visas in a maximum time of 20 minutes.

"In the past, the French pilgrims would have to wait at the airport for more than four hours before they were taken to their accommodation in Makkah or Madinah," he said.

Mihraje expected more facilities during the coming years that would enable the French pilgrims to enter smoothly into the Kingdom.

"The increase in number of pilgrims from France is a matter that will be decided by the Saudi government," he added.

The consul expressed happiness over the excellent preparations and consummate services being extended to the pilgrims and said all the concerned French agencies and societies are praising the Kingdom for its grand services to the guests of Allah.

"It was the atmosphere of worship, the excellent arrangements and the nice treatment which drew my attention and that of the French pilgrims," he said.

The consul revealed that the consulate every year opens a special office for two weeks to deal with the affairs of his country's pilgrims.