Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a meeting with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia

NUR-SULTAN, February 28, 2020 — The newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Kazakhstan Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Dawood was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his meeting with Yerzhan Mukas, the Director of the Department of the Near and Middle East and Africa of the Foreign Ministry, they discussed pressing issues of bilateral cooperation, including development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia.

The Ambassador commented on the recent decision of the Saudi authorities to suspend the issuance of electronic tourist visas to the citizens of several countries.

Mr. Al-Dawood confirmed that the issuance of pilgrimage entry visas for the Umrah, as well as tourist visas was suspended due to the global spread of the coronavirus. This measure is temporary and aimed at protecting all Muslims of the world visiting Saudi Arabia. At the same time, he assured that the issuance of business and other types of visas have not suspended.

According to the Ambassador, the list of states whose citizens are suspended from entry will be updated depending on the changing situation regarding the spread of coronavirus. He noted that in addition to Kazakhstan, other countries of Central Asia are included in this list.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to exchange relevant information on the epidemiological situation in their countries in connection with the spread of coronavirus.