Earlier, Saudi health minister declared the health plan for this year’s Hajj a success Kuwait’s emir praised the expansion works at Makkah’s Grand Mosque RIYADH: Kuwait and Bahrain on Thursday congratulated King Salman on the success of this year’s Hajj as the annual pilgrimage comes to a close. Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah praised the expansion works at Makkah’s Grand Mosque and the development of services that benefit pilgrims and facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals. The emir asked God to bless the government and people of Saudi Arabia with more progress and prosperity. In a cable he sent to King Salman, the emir said “The success of this year’s Hajj season was achieved thanks to God Almighty and then the generous care accorded by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his government.” He added that the Kingdom’s government had contributed to the success with “sincerity and dedication,” especially in light of the challenges posed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The King of Bahrain also congratulated King Salman and said that the “the precise and successful organization of this year’s pilgrimage, which coincided with exceptional circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, reflects the extent of the Kingdom’s ability and keenness to assume this sacred responsibility by organizing the major Islamic (Hajj) rites.” King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa praised the efforts of the Saudi government to organize this year’s Hajj according to precautionary measures that enabled pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage in a safe, comfortable and peaceful manner. The Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa also congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the success of the Hajj season. Earlier on Thursday, Saudi Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah declared the health plan for this year’s Hajj a success, and said that no COVID-19 infections among pilgrims had been identified.