In a bid to streamline the functioning of all ministries and agencies involved in Haj and Umrah operations in the Kingdom, authorities are putting in all efforts to enhance coordination between them to serve the pilgrims better as also to project a positive picture of the country.

Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar and Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect on Thursday.

The Ministry of Information, Foreign Affairs and other ministries are also expected to arrive at similar understanding to serve pilgrims effectively and ensure a quick response in case of any exigency involving Haj and Umrah pilgrims, sources said.

Al-Sudais hailed the decision to enhance cooperation and coordination between various agencies and ministries and thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Salman, Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin, Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Naif and Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah.

He said that besides the Ministry of Haj and the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Culture also plays an important role in highlighting the services to the guests of Allah.

Hajar said: “Today’s MoU will definitely give shape to the services offered to pilgrims and the integrated and constructive cooperation between the Haj Ministry and presidency will ensure pilgrims’ comfort.”

He said that the ministry and presidency will make joint efforts to educate pilgrims in their own language about the performance of rituals besides offering translation services.

A senior official from the presidency told Arab News that both sides have agreed on mutual cooperation pertaining to nine topics including media.

The Haj Ministry said it had trained nearly 1,000 employees from Haj establishments of African and non-Arab countries on how to advise and guide pilgrims from these countries.