Baghdad: Minister of Finance Faleh Sari affirmed on Sunday that the massive pilgrimages are a national occasion requiring the integrated efforts of institutions and holy shrines.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Finance stated in a press release that Minister Sari met in his office with the Secretary-General of the Holy Abbasid Shrine, Mustafa Murtadha Al-Dhiaa Al-Din, and his accompanying delegation. They reviewed the most prominent projects implemented by the shrine to serve pilgrims, particularly the expansion projects of the holy shrine and the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Arba'een pilgrimage. They also discussed its projects in the agriculture, industry, health, and education sectors.

The Minister emphasized that the massive pilgrimages represent a major national occasion that necessitates the integrated efforts of state institutions and holy shrines. He praised the efforts exerted by the Holy Abbasid Shrine in providing services and receiving millions of pilgrims during the Arba'een pilgrimage.

The statement indicated that the Secretary-General of the Holy Abbasid Shrine presented the Minister with the banner of Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas (peace be upon him) in appreciation of his efforts in supporting the massive pilgrimages and serving the pilgrims.