ATHENS - There are signs of an upswing in economic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iran's deputy Consul General in Jeddah, A.Zarvan, told Saudi daily Arab News. He noted that there has been an increase in the number of inquiries from importers and exporters from both the Muslim countries, and Iranian food products, especially fruits can be seen in Saudi supermarkets.

Regarding Haj, Zarvan was quoted saying that the Saudi government was doing a fantastic job in providing services to the Umrah and Haj pilgrims. He said that nearly 120,000 Iranians perform the Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage), and as for Haj, about 70,000 Iranians were expected to visit Mecca this year. Zarvan said national carrier Iran Air will operate 15-20 special Haj flights for 20 days to Saudi Arabia, and the same number of return flights.

Haj will be held next April. The Irnaian diplomat said that nearly one million Iranians apply every year to perform the Haj, and the selection is made by Qurra (lot), but a change in the criteria is under contemplation. (IRNA)