The Deputy Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umra, Dr Abdul Fattah Suleiman, has signed a number of bilateral agreements between Saudi and Ghana.

It is aimed at deepening relations between the two countries and enhancing efficiency in the organisation of the 2023 Hajj.

These agreements were signed between the two countries on the sidelines of this year’s Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition dubbed Hajj Expo 2023 in Jeddah last week.

The protocols include Ghana’s allocated quota for Hajj 2023, ports of arrival and departure as well as safety and comfort protocols for Ghanaian pilgrims.

Hajj Expo 2023 is the largest pre-Hajj gathering organised by the Royal Kingdom’s government.

It brought together 57 countries and experts to deliberate on the 2023 Hajj activities and agreed on activities for participating nations and pilgrims.

This year, about 200 private companies specialising in Hajj and Umrah services were in attendance ready to support the government of Saudi Arabia to deliver optimum services to pilgrims.

The four-day Conference witnessed about 40 separate workshops and discussed various aspects of Hajj and Umrah services, challenges, best practices, pilgrims’ safety and comfort.

All activities this year, like the 2022 Hajj, are aimed at enhancing the achievements of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030.