Sheikh Dr. Salah bin Muhammad Al-Budair, Imam and Khateeb of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office. This high-level meeting took place during the Imam’s official visit to the Maldives, his first to the island nation and the first by an Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in over four decades.
President Dr. Muizzu extended a warm welcome to Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair, expressing that hosting a religious figure of such global respect is a great honour for the country. He noted that the visit reflects the strong religious and diplomatic ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, grounded in mutual respect and shared Islamic values. The President highlighted that it has been 41 years since an Imam from Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi last visited the Maldives, underscoring the rarity and importance of this occasion.
During the meeting, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Government of the Maldives for the invitation and hospitality. He praised the enduring bond between the two nations and relayed greetings and well-wishes from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Imam reaffirmed his hope that the visit would serve to strengthen ties not only at the diplomatic level but also within the religious and cultural spheres.
President Dr. Muizzu also acknowledged the Saudi government’s longstanding support in various development sectors, particularly in the field of Islamic education. He expressed his deep appreciation for the care and attention extended to Maldivian pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons, which has allowed thousands of Maldivians to fulfill one of the most sacred pillars of Islam with dignity and comfort.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Grand Imam of Masjid Sultan Mohamed Thakurufanul Auzam, Sheikh Mohamed Latheef. Discussions emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, with both sides expressing their commitment to nurturing spiritual and educational connections.
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