Nigerian Ambassador welcomes Tehran - Abuja relations development in Hajj and Pilgrimage

As reported by Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Information Base, Nigerian Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran Mr. Yakubo Sentoraki Soleiman met today with Supreme Leader's representative in Hajj and Pilgrimage affairs and Supervisor of Iranian pilgrims Hojjat al-Islam Seyed Abdolfattah Navvab at the Supreme Leader Delegation Office mission.

Head of the Iranian pilgrims considered the religious and cultural commonalities between the two countries as a suitable ground for understanding and coordination on the development of cooperation and said at the meeting which was held by attendance of Supreme Leader Delegation Office's deputy on international affairs Hojjat al-Islam Ali Khayyat, Iran is ready to transfer its experiences in the field of Hajj and Pilgrimage to Nigeria.

Noting that relations between the two countries can be increased, he added: "We are ready to sign a memorandum of understanding in this area between the two countries' Hajj officials."

Supreme Leader's representative in Hajj and Pilgrimage affairs described the closure of Hajj as a great loss for Islamic countries and said: In the years when Hajj and Umrah were held, the atmosphere of spirituality and purity flowed to other countries through Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Hojjat al-Islam Navvab also mentioned the compilation and publication of more than a thousand books related to Hajj and Pilgrimage at the Hajj and Pilgrimage Research Institute and referring to the translation of some of these works into Arabic and English, he said: "These works can be made available to pilgrims from other countries."

According to the report, Nigerian ambassador during the meeting described the cooperation between Tehran and Abuja as good and welcomed the development of cooperation and signing a memorandum of understanding between the two countries in the field of Hajj and Pilgrimage.

Mr. Yakubo Senturaki Soleiman, formerly Nigerian Consul in Jeddah, referred to the good organizing of the Iranian pilgrims' caravans during the Hajj; added: "Certainly Nigeria can use Iran's experience in this field."

The report states that during the meeting, Hojjat al-Islam Navvab considered the presence of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaki in Nigeria as a positive capacity for coordination and transmission of friendship the message. He also assessed positively the verdict of the country's judges on his innocence and release.

Emphasizing that his country respects the rights of Sheikh Zakzaki, the Nigerian ambassador pointed to the presence of various delegations from Islamic countries in commemoration of religious ceremonies in Iran and exemplary coexistence between Shiites and Sunnis, adding: I hope that Islamic countries will follow Iran's example in creating coexistence between Islamic religions.

He added: "The Muslims of the world have a special respect for the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic world trusts him and we are proud of him."

The report states that at the end of the meeting, Supreme Leader Delegation Office's deputy on international affairs stated that there are currently about 20 agreements in various fields between Iran and Nigeria.

He also announced plans for a video conference meeting between the Supreme Leader's representative in Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs and the chairman of Nigeria Hajj High Council Commission.

Nigerian ambassador also stated: he is confident that the development of relations between the two sides will be in the interest of two nations and two countries and will do its utmost to achieve it.