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 official press writes today. 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 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.

As a sign of deep respect for the President of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people, on the night of June 1-2, the cover of the sacred Kaaba was moved, providing a special opportunity for Serdar Berdimuhamedov to pray inside the shrine.

Also, as part of the pilgrimage, the Turkmen leader was given a teperrik from the Kaaba - a highly revered gift-blessing. Accepting it, the head of state stressed that he perceives it as boundless respect for Turkmenistan and its people.

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