Jokowi Makes Congratulatory Phone Call to King Salman on Idul Adha Celebration

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo called Saudi Arabia’s ruler King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to express appreciation for organizing the annual hajj pilgrimage amid the Covid-19 on Friday, July 31.

“We appreciate the arrangements for this year’s hajj pilgrimage which follows health protocols and ensure public health. Let us continue to pray that this pandemic will be quickly resolved,” said the president in a statement released by the presidential office on Saturday, August 1.

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Jokowi underscored the importance of enhancing good relations, including economic cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

Also read:  Eid al-Adha Celebrations Must Go On Despite Coronavirus Pandemic

“Mr. President, InsyaAllah [God willing] we are always ready to strengthen our relations for the benefit of the two countries,” said King Salman.

This year’s hajj pilgrimage saw low-key celebration as Saudi Arabia only allowed 1,000 pilgrims comprising its citizens and expatriates who reside in the country to perform their rites around the Kaaba and other holy sites. Usually, some 2.5 million pilgrims from around the globe come to Mecca and Medina for the week-long Muslim ritual.

As the two leaders spoke on the phone, Jokowi conveyed his Idul Adha (Day of Sacrifice) greetings to the leader and people of Saudi Arabia.

“On behalf of the people of Indonesia and myself, I would like to wish happy Idul Adha to Your Majesty and the people of Saudi Arabia,” said President Jokowi.

Jokowi also said that he was grateful to hear that King Salman has recovered and is in good health now. “We pray that Your Majesty will be blessed and always in good health,” the president said.

(Writer: Ihsanuddin | Editor: Diamanty Meiliana)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/08/01/11091141/telpon-raja-salman-jokowi-apresiasi-ibadah-haji-di-tengah-pandemi.