The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives, Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani, has reaffirmed that the longstanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives continues to grow stronger, highlighting expanding cooperation and shared values between the two nations during a reception held to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day. The ceremony, hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Malé on Sunday evening, brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests, reflecting the importance of bilateral relations and international engagement between the two countries.
Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed attended the event as the honorable guest, alongside several Cabinet ministers including Minister of Tourism Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government Adam Shareef Umar, and Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, as well as senior officials from government institutions and representatives of the diplomatic community. The gathering provided an opportunity to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s national history while strengthening diplomatic ties through dialogue and cultural exchange.
In his address, Ambassador Al-Qahtani emphasized that Saudi Arabia consistently prioritizes maintaining respectful relations among nations based on equality, mutual understanding, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. He noted that these principles guide the Kingdom’s developmental foreign policy and contribute to building constructive international partnerships. The ambassador stated that celebrating Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day in the Maldives carries special meaning, as it further reinforces the friendship and cooperation shared by the two nations.
Reflecting on the historic significance of the occasion, the ambassador explained that Founding Day, observed annually on February 22, commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi State in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. He noted that the foundations established nearly three centuries ago, unity, security, justice, and development, continue to shape Saudi Arabia’s national identity and policy direction today. The ambassador highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s heritage remains deeply rooted in Arab and Islamic values, and as the home of the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom carries a profound responsibility in serving the Islamic world while promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence globally.
Ambassador Al-Qahtani also underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing global presence, describing the Kingdom as one of the world’s strongest economies and an active member of the G20, contributing significantly to global energy security and sustainable development efforts. He noted that Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in the international energy industry while advancing initiatives aimed at sustainability and long-term economic resilience.
Speaking on the Kingdom’s future direction, the ambassador highlighted the transformative goals of Saudi Vision 2030, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He explained that the vision prioritizes economic diversification, innovation, empowerment of citizens, and the strengthening of international partnerships. According to the ambassador, these reforms aim to foster a dynamic economy while encouraging forward-looking thinking and broader cooperation with global partners.
Reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its relationship with the Maldives, Ambassador Al-Qahtani stated that the partnership between the two countries remains of utmost importance and will continue to expand across additional sectors for the mutual benefit of both nations. He assured that Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to strengthening collaboration through shared development goals and continued engagement.
The reception reflected both diplomatic goodwill and shared cultural values, highlighting the enduring ties between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives and the mutual aspiration to deepen cooperation in areas of economic development, international collaboration, and service to the wider Islamic community. Celebrating Founding Day in Malé served as a reminder of Saudi Arabia’s historical journey and its evolving global role, while reinforcing the positive trajectory of relations between the two countries for the years ahead.
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