In a recent high-level meeting, senior officials from the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in the fisheries sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and investment in critical infrastructure. The discussions took place in Malé between Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives, and Yahya Hassan Alqahtani, the Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives.
The engagement focused on avenues to modernise the Maldivian fisheries industry and support the government’s broader blue economy strategy. A key highlight of the discussions was Saudi Arabia’s continued technical and financial assistance through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), which has played a pivotal role in supporting fisheries infrastructure projects across the archipelago.
Minister Shiyam expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support, particularly for major investments in harbour development and cold storage facilities in M. Mulah and GA. Kooddoo. These facilities are critical to enhancing post-harvest handling capacity and ensuring the preservation and quality of fish products for both local markets and exports.
Ambassador Alqahtani reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening development cooperation, emphasizing that the Kingdom views the Maldives as a strategic partner in the region. He noted the positive outcomes of previous development projects and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s willingness to explore further collaboration in areas such as fisheries research, marine conservation, and capacity building.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources stated that the meeting was “highly productive” and underscored the strategic alignment of the two nations in developing the blue economy. Key priorities identified included not only infrastructure development but also support for scientific research and marine ecosystem conservation, which are vital to sustaining ocean resources in the face of climate change and overfishing.
This renewed cooperation is part of a larger policy framework being implemented under the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The government has placed strong emphasis on revitalising the fisheries sector, with the aim of establishing it as one of the Maldives’ primary sources of national revenue. Among the recent policy changes is the introduction of a streamlined payment mechanism that ensures Maldivian fishermen receive earnings within 48 hours of landing their catch. This initiative has significantly improved sectoral participation and provided financial stability to fishing communities.
The Maldives’ fisheries industry, renowned for its environmentally friendly pole-and-line tuna fishing methods, remains one of the cornerstones of the country’s economy and cultural identity. With increasing global attention on sustainable seafood sourcing, the country’s efforts to modernise and expand its fisheries infrastructure align with international standards and market demands.
The meeting between Minister Shiyam and Ambassador Alqahtani signals a deepening of bilateral relations that extends beyond diplomacy, targeting shared interests in economic development, food security, and environmental stewardship. The Ministry reaffirmed its intention to work closely with Saudi counterparts to translate the outcomes of this dialogue into tangible projects that benefit both nations.
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