Maldives and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties to Enhance Hajj for Pilgrims

The Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has met with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Maldives, Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani, to discuss expanding cooperation in religious affairs and bilateral support. During the courtesy call, Minister Shaheem expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia's enduring relationship with the Maldives. He specifically highlighted the Kingdom's consistent assistance within the Islamic sector, which remains vital to the Maldives' spiritual and social infrastructure. The discussions focused on the growing strategic ties between the two nations under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. A primary point of cooperation involves improving the Hajj experience for Maldivian pilgrims. Saudi Arabia has committed to providing additional facilities and streamlined arrangements to ensure a more accessible and comfortable journey for those traveling to the holy cities. Minister Shaheem also commended Ambassador Al-Qahtani for his ongoing support in facilitating the Ministry's initiatives and activities, noting that the diplomatic synergy has played a crucial role in advancing the Ministry's goals. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia were formally established on March 17, 1981. Over the past four decades, this partnership has evolved into a robust alliance, with the Kingdom providing significant aid across various sectors beyond religious affairs, reinforcing a shared commitment to Islamic solidarity and mutual development.