The Government of Brunei Darussalam expresses its highest appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for selecting the country as one of the beneficiary countries of the Makkah Route Initiative. Such effort clearly reflects the continued commitment in providing the best service to the Dhuyufurrahman or guests of Allah. The matter was stated by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Awang Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs while officiating the Implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative for Brunei Darussalam's Haj Pilgrims at Brunei International Airport, Berakas, on 04th April morning.

His Excellency Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Yahya, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Makkah Route Initiative and Advisor to the Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia, explained that Brunei Darussalam is the 11th country in the world to implement the Makkah Route initiative, where pilgrims are treated as VIP guests without having to go through immigration procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Saleh bin Abdulkarim Al-Shiha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Saudi Arabia designate to Brunei Darussalam, explained the objective, among others, to facilitate the journey of Haj pilgrims by completing all entry procedures into Saudi Arabia directly from Brunei International Airport.

Also in attendance were Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health AND Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications.