Iraqi Premier indicates Hajj and Umrah Higher Commission to be formed

Jeddah, 2 July 06

Iraqi Premier Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki and his accompanying delegation held here today a meeting with a number of Saudi businessmen and investors headed by Acting Chairman of Board of Directors of Jeddah-based Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ziyad Al-Bassam.

Addressing the meeting,the Iraqi premier reviewed historical, geographical and brotherly relations between the two countries and stressed that the two sides are partners in planning the present and the future.

Al-Maliki commended the role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz so that Iraq and its people regain security and stability and play their role at the Arab, regional and international arenas.

The Iraqi premier described his meetings with the King, the Crown Prince and officials as successful and fruitful, noting that the Monarch stressed the Kingdom's keenness on Iraq's unity, territorial integrity and safety of its citizens.

He indicated that Hajj and Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage) Higher Commission will be formed to deal with Hajj and Omrah affairs.