President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, met with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at Al-Mina Palace as part of his official visit to the Kingdom during the Hajj pilgrimage.
During the high-level meeting, President Dr. Muizzu expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for their warm hospitality and for the exceptional support and services provided to Maldivian pilgrims this year. He highlighted the successful facilitation of the Hajj pilgrimage as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfillment of pilgrims from around the world.
The discussion also focused on further strengthening the close fraternal ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Both leaders exchanged views on expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with an emphasis on developing bilateral relations in a way that benefits both nations economically, socially, and culturally.
President Dr. Muizzu was accompanied by several cabinet ministers and senior officials, including Minister of Finance and Treasury Moosa Zameer, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chief of Protocol Mohamed Shahudy.
The Crown Prince was joined by high-ranking Saudi officials including the Deputy Governor of Makkah, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mashal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, and Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal.
The President and First Lady, Madam Sajidha Mohamed, are currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, hosted as special guests of the Saudi Arabia government. Their visit coincided with a special gathering hosted by the Crown Prince on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz for dignitaries and state leaders visiting the Kingdom for the pilgrimage. President Dr. Muizzu was notably seated next to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the official event, symbolizing the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship.
The Saudi Arabia government has long maintained its role as a generous host to pilgrims, offering a wide range of services and facilities at the holy sites to ensure a spiritually rewarding and physically comfortable Hajj experience. This year, Maldivian pilgrims also benefited from their country’s inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative, a program under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 that streamlines travel and immigration processes by allowing pilgrims to complete pre-departure formalities in their home country.
President Dr. Muizzu praised this initiative for significantly improving logistical convenience for Maldivian pilgrims and reducing wait times upon arrival. He thanked the Saudi Arabia leadership for prioritizing the needs of pilgrims and continuing to invest in improving the overall Hajj experience for Muslims across the globe.
The President’s visit and engagement with the Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince mark an important chapter in the growing relationship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, one defined by mutual respect, religious solidarity, and expanding diplomatic cooperation.
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