His Excellency Yahya Hassan Alhqahtani, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Maldives, formally presented his Letter of Credence to His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in an official ceremony held at the President’s Office on Tuesday morning. The ceremonial welcome was marked by the traditional Haiykolhu cultural procession, accompanied by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band, as the Ambassador was escorted from Republic Square to the President’s Office.
Following the formal presentation of credentials, President Dr Muizzu and Ambassador Alhqahtani engaged in a cordial discussion that reaffirmed the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two nations. The President expressed his deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support and the enduring brotherly ties that have strengthened over the years. He acknowledged the leadership of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, for their continuous commitment to cooperation with the Maldives.
A key highlight of the discussion was the Maldives’ inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative, a special programme launched by the Saudi government to streamline immigration procedures for Hajj pilgrims. President Dr Muizzu thanked the Kingdom for facilitating Maldivian pilgrims’ journey to the Holy Land and commended the ongoing enhancements made under the initiative to further improve the travel experience for pilgrims.
Ambassador Alhqahtani, in return, conveyed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the government of the Maldives and reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening bilateral relations during his tenure. Both sides reiterated their commitment to further deepen cooperation in various fields and to sustain the friendship that has defined their relations for over four decades. As part of the ceremony, the Ambassador also signed the official guest book at the President’s Office.
Diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia were formally established on March 17, 1981, marking the beginning of a mutually respectful partnership rooted in shared religious values, cultural ties, and regional cooperation. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has played a vital role in supporting development initiatives in the Maldives, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, education, and religious affairs.
The presentation of credentials by Ambassador Alhqahtani is a renewed symbol of the strong and trusted partnership between the two Islamic nations. It also reflects the shared vision of further enhancing cooperation in regional and international forums while fostering goodwill and mutual respect between the people of Saudi Arabia and the Maldives.
This renewed diplomatic engagement further strengthens the Maldives’ position as a country with deep-rooted international partnerships, reinforcing the peaceful and welcoming nature that continues to make the island nation a treasured destination for travelers worldwide.
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