Acknowledging the appreciation sent to him on successful completion of the Haj season this year, King Abdullah said: "We thank you for your noble feelings. We pray to Allah Almighty for bestowing constant good health upon all people, and also for crowning our efforts with grand success in the service of pilgrims to perform their Haj rituals easily and comfortably."

Responding to the monarch's message, Al-Asheikh described the monarch as "the king of humanity" who looks after the rich and poor equally.

"The noble gesture of the king had shown in arranging the separation surgery of Siamese twins in the Kingdom speaks for his magnanimity and the willingness to help the distressed people in the world," he said.

The speaker also registered the council's thanks for the wonderful arrangements made at the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for the smooth flow of Haj pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the council appointed on Tuesday a five-member committee to manage its international parliamentary affairs.

Al-Asheikh explained that such a committee is important for the council to maintain healthy relationship with brotherly and friendly countries.

"It will help the Shoura members to get to know the structure, functions and services rendered by various parliaments in the world," he said.