In a formal diplomatic gesture reflecting the deepening ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani, the newly appointed Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives, paid an official courtesy call to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Tuesday, 8 July 2025. The Ambassador was received with full honors, including a red carpet welcome, marking the beginning of his tenure with strong engagement at the ministerial level.
Upon arrival at the Ministry premises in Malé, Ambassador Al-Qahtani was warmly greeted by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, accompanied by senior ministry officials. Following traditional protocol, the Ambassador was invited to sign the Ministry’s official guest book, signifying the commencement of a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
During the official meeting, Minister Dr. Shaheem conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of the Government of Maldives to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. The Minister acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the two nations and expressed gratitude for the generous assistance provided by the Saudi Government, particularly in supporting religious, educational, and development initiatives led by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The Minister further commended the efforts of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives for its continued facilitation and close coordination, which has enabled the Ministry to implement key national programs, including the training of religious scholars, mosque development projects, and other Islamic affairs initiatives. These cooperative efforts are part of a wider framework of strategic collaboration between the two countries that has expanded in recent years.
In the course of the meeting, Minister Dr. Shaheem delivered a detailed presentation outlining the Ministry’s current projects, policy frameworks, and strategic objectives. The briefing also included insights into the religious heritage of the Maldives, highlighting Islam’s historical influence and its integration into the nation’s cultural fabric. The Minister presented a review of recent milestones achieved by the Ministry, such as the development of Quranic education, mosque infrastructure improvements, and digital transformation efforts to better serve the Maldivian public.
Following the meeting, the Ambassador was invited to tour the Masjid Sultan Mohamed Thakurufanul Auzam, one of the most iconic and historic mosques in the Maldives. The visit allowed the Ambassador to witness firsthand the architectural grandeur and spiritual importance of the mosque, which continues to play a central role in the country’s religious life.
This high-level engagement also comes at a time when bilateral cooperation has reached new levels under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The most recent example of this strengthened partnership is evident in the 2025 Hajj operations, which were organized under the Saudi government’s Makkah Route Initiative. This program provided Maldivian pilgrims with streamlined immigration services and enhanced logistical arrangements directly from Velana International Airport to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The initiative demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the Maldives and reinforced the trust and coordination between both governments.
The Ambassador’s visit reflects not only the diplomatic cordiality between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia but also the shared vision of fostering deeper collaboration in religious affairs, people-to-people relations, and developmental cooperation. As both nations continue to work closely in regional and international platforms, this visit serves as an affirmation of their mutual respect and enduring friendship.
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