French President Francois Hollande (C) speaks with Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah and IMA President Jack Lang (R) as they inaugurate an exhibition on Haj at the Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute) in Paris on Tuesday. – Reuters Saudi Gazette report
PARIS — French President Francois Hollande lauded Saudi Arabia for shouldering a herculean task of hosting nearly three million Haj pilgrims every year and rendering them the best ever services and facilities. “Haj is a global event that is of concern for the entire world. There have been immense transitions in the conduct of pilgrimage to Makkah from all over the world through the ages until the present day,” he said while opening a Haj exhibition here on Tuesday. The Riyadh-based King Abdul Aziz Library and the Paris-based Institute of Arab World (IAW) jointly organized the second Saudi Haj Exhibition, which will run for three months. Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah, deputy foreign minister, Faisal Bin Muammar, adviser to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and supervisor of the library, IAW President Jack Lang, and other dignitaries addressed the opening ceremony, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Hollande also toured the gallery that showcased 230 rare artifacts, including 53 from the Kingdom, that have been collected from various international museums. He said the exhibition is the first of its kind in France and it displays rare historical pieces and manuscripts that speak volumes about the routes of Haj pilgrims to Makkah from various parts of the world. Hollande also appreciated the display of letters and other collections highlighting the strength of relations between France and the Arab World and underscoring the need for tolerance and proper understanding of others, in addition to denouncing terrorism. He praised the Kingdom for its untiring efforts in combating terrorism. The exhibition gives visitors an idea about the history of Haj, the routes followed by pilgrims to reach the holy sites in Makkah in ancient times, the various rituals of Haj and the development of Makkah during the Saudi era. A piece of Kiswa that covers the door of the Kaaba is also on display at the exhibition. The first Haj exhibition was held in London two years ago.
