Saudi Arabia's decision to extend the number of Ethiopian Hajj pilgrims by 6,000 showcases the two countries ever blossoming relations, Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council said. Council President Sheikh Muhammad-Amin Jamal Omar told The Ethiopian Herald that agreement was reached with Saudi Arabian government to expand Ethiopian Hajj pilgrims' quota to 15,000 in the current year. Sheikh Muhammad-Amin said: "Our Hajj quota has been limited between 8,000 and 9,000 over years. The ever growing role Ethiopia has been playing in the African continent and in other international arenas have also contributed to the Hajj quota expansion, Sheikh Muhammed-Amin added. Commending the support Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered to the Council, Sheikh Muhammed-Amin stated that the government has played a pivotal role in supporting Ethiopian Muslims' long Hajj quota quest come true.

Source: Ethiopian News July 19, 2017 12:00 UTC