Strengthening the collaborative efforts between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Advisor to His Royal Highness the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed on Monday, 26 May 2025. The Saudi Arabia delegation was officially welcomed at the Islamic Centre by the Grand Imam of Masjid Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, where Dr. Shaheem warmly welcomed H.E. Al-Yahya and the accompanying high-level Saudi delegation to the Maldives. He extended his deep appreciation to 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, for selecting the Maldives to participate in the Makkah Route Initiative, a major advancement in Hajj facilitation for Maldivian pilgrims.
During the meeting, Dr. Shaheem also conveyed special gratitude to the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Minister of Interior, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their key roles in supporting the initiative’s implementation in the Maldives. He acknowledged the vital contributions of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives, noting that their continued collaboration was instrumental in ensuring the Maldives’ inclusion in the initiative.
Following the courtesy call, H.E. Al-Yahya met with staff members of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs at the Islamic Centre Conference Hall. During the session, Minister Dr. Shaheem delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the Maldives’ Islamic identity, the constitutional and administrative mandate of the Ministry, and its key achievements in strengthening Islamic services, education, and religious infrastructure across the country. He emphasized the alignment of the Maldives’ national values with the goals of the Makkah Route Initiative, particularly in providing dignified and seamless services to pilgrims.
In a gesture of appreciation and goodwill, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs presented a token of appreciation to H.E. Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, handed over personally by Minister Dr. Shaheem. In return, the Makkah Route Initiative delegation honored several Maldivian institutions with special awards recognizing their active participation and commitment to the successful implementation of the initiative for Hajj Season 1446H.
The organizations awarded included:
-
Ministry of Islamic Affairs
-
The Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives
-
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)
-
Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited
-
Maldives Immigration
-
Maldives Customs Service
-
Maldives Civil Aviation Authority
-
Aviation Security Command
-
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)
- Maldives Police Service
Following the conclusion of the official meetings, the high-level Saudi delegation was taken on a guided tour of the Islamic Centre, one of the Maldives’ most prominent religious and cultural landmarks. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the country’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage and the central role the Islamic Centre plays in religious education, worship, and national identity.
The delegation also visited the King Salman Mosque, an architectural and spiritual landmark named in honour of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The mosque stands as a powerful symbol of the close diplomatic and religious partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Maldives.
The visit and engagements reflect the strong and respectful partnership between the two nations. The Makkah Route Initiative, launched in the Maldives this year, allows Hajj pilgrims to complete immigration, customs, and health formalities at Velana International Airport before departure, offering a streamlined, efficient, and spiritually fulfilling experience from start to finish. This cooperation is a testament to the shared commitment of both nations to serving the global Muslim community and strengthening ties rooted in faith, trust, and mutual respect.
advertisment
advertisment
