RIYADH, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia has announced that 83,828 Iranian pilgrims will perform Hajj this season, after Iran boycotted the religious ritual last year.
Minister of Hajj, Omra Dr Mohammed Benton, made the announcement when inspecting the headquarters of Hajj contractors of Iranian pilgrims, Okaz local news reported on Thursday.
The visit is part of a series of similar visits to other contractors to ensure the best services for foreign pilgrims.
In March, Saudi Arabia announced the finalization of the required steps for the participation of Iranian pilgrims in the upcoming Hajj season.
Iran boycotted the last Hajj season over rifts between the two countries, mainly the death of Iranian pilgrims in a stampede in Mina area in 2015 Hajj.
Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran early in 2016 and ban citizens from travelling there. The country clarified that cutting relations covered commercial ties, while Iranian pilgrims would always be welcome in Saudi Arabia.
