In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Call and Guidance Sheikh Salih bin Abdulaziz Al Asheikh said that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud had directed that expenses for a thousand international pilgrims be covered. Al Asheikh who also acts as the Supervisor General for the Hosting Program said "such noble gesture shows the King"s keenness on maintaining Muslims" interests all over the world as well as boosting inter-muslim relations". The program which covers all expenses from housing to transportation has received more than 14,000 pilgrims over the past years. -- SPA