Algeria pilgrims arrive

JEDDAH: About 36,000 Algerian pilgrims will be performing Haj this year.

Part of an 800-member official Algerian mission came to the Kingdom on Monday to facilitate their arrival, with the rest following soon.

“A large contingent of medical team, will also follow,” Algerian Consul-General Salah Attia told Arab News at his country’s National Day celebration.

The mission would be led by the director-general of the Algerian National Office for Haj and Umrah, Cheikh Barbara, he said.

Speaking at a reception in Jeddah to celebrate the event, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Director General for Makkah Region, Muhammad A. Tayeb, highlighted existing strong relations between the Kingdom and Algeria and said there have been a consistent strengthening of bilateral relations through the Saudi-Algerian economic commission, as well as joint venture projects and programs at all levels.

According to the consul-general, trade between the two countries has also been steadily expanding. “There has been a regular flow of investments into Algeria from the Kingdom,” he said, adding that Saudis have shown great interest in hospitality and industrial projects, in particular agro-industries.