Foreign Secretary David Miliband launched Tuesday the UK Haj delegation that will attend to the needs of British pilgrims who will perform Haj in Saudi Arabia next month. The launching at the Blue Room of the Foreign Secretary's Residence here was graced by Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammed Bin Nawaf Bin Abdul Aziz, Lord Adam Patel, diplomats, community leaders and other guests. About 25,000 UK Muslims will perform this year the annual pilgrimage in Makkah with the British government offering advice, support and medical care to the British pilgrims. The Haj delegation is a team that will provide medical and consular support to the British pilgrims attending the Haj next month. The delegation will leave for Jeddah on Nov. 11 and is scheduled to return on Dec. 5. Miliband pointed out during the launching ceremony three messages for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to understand the importance of Haj. “One is the message of empathy for others and the second is the Islamic belief in the interconnectedness of all people,” he said. “That is the very important theme, and thirdly the values of Islam of compassion, equality and sacrifice – is the important part of this important time of the year and I think this is the most important message for all of us Muslims or non-Muslims.” He added that the chance for the whole of Britain to be educated about the faith and commitments of the two million Muslim citizens was equally imporant. With reference to the French Haj delegation, Miliband said, “I gathered our French friends have now copied us and now have a Haj delegation. We should welcome France in a way that Britain is now not the only European country whose government sponsors Haj delegation. But it certainly gives me great pleasure that ours is the first and the best Haj delegation.” For his part, the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, said: “During Haj, millions of Muslims from all over the world gather in the same spots to perform the same rituals at the same times, standing together on equal footing and dressed as one.” Speaking about the importance of Haj, Prince Mohammed said, “Haj is a true reflection of the exalted principles of equality, modesty and human brotherhood that are at the heart of Islam. This also makes Haj the most impressive manifestation of Islam's ability to cross borders and cultures and unite nations.” The Saudi ambassador also spoke about the recent developments done at the Haramain and the new projects being done for the convenience of the pilgrims. “Those who will perform Haj this year will see stunning developments,” he said. “The huge expansion of the Mas'a, the extensive development of the Mena area and the expansion of the open courtyard around the Holy Mosque are just a few examples of such accomplishments.” Prince Mohammed also spoke about the preparation to combat swine flu to make the pilgrims safe while performing Haj. “This year ... the Saudi health authorities have taken additional measures to deal with any adverse effects of this new strain of flu,” he said. “The Kingdom has taken additional precautions by stockpiling sufficient quantities of anti
