President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who left for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, visited the spiritual capital of the Muslim world, the city of Mecca.  One of the goals of the Turkmen leader's first foreign visit is to perform the rite of Umra Hajj (small pilgrimage), the State News Agency of Turkmenistan writes.

 Together with the head of state, elders from all regions of Turkmenistan also went on a pilgrimage.

 Arriving in Mecca, the official delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, visited the Al-Haram mosque, accompanied by special religious representatives of Saudi Arabia.  Having performed the midday prayer, the delegation proceeded to perform the rituals of Umra Hajj.

 Then Serdar Berdimuhamedov was given a special opportunity to pray inside the sacred Kaaba.

 On the night of June 1-2, during the pilgrimage of the head of state to the holy land, the cover of the sacred Kaaba – the house of Allah, was moved and its doors were opened, thereby providing a special opportunity to pray inside the shrine.  This was a manifestation of deep respect and reverence for Haji Arkadag, Arkadagly Serdar and the entire Turkmen people, the news agency notes.

The State News agency also recalls that in May 2016, during a pilgrimage to the sacred Kaaba, a teperrik was presented to Haji Arkadag as a sign of great respect.  And today Arkadagly Serdar was given a teperrik from the Kaaba, which is considered a sacred relic.

 Thanking for the gift, Arkadagly Serdar emphasized that he perceives it as a manifestation of boundless respect for the Turkmen state and its hardworking people.

 Coming out of the sacred Kaaba, Serdar Berdimuhamedov offered prayers in the name of a happy life, a bright future for his native people, the well-being and prosperity of the Fatherland, universal peace, and also that the great undertakings of Haji Arkadag would continue to be marked by success.

 The visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia continues.