In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Court in Mina Palace. The meeting, held during the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, underscored the deepening ties between the two nations.
#فيديو_واس pic.twitter.com/OPWnh6vUUb
— واس الأخبار الملكية (@spagov) June 7, 2025
The leaders exchanged Eid greetings and reviewed the longstanding relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, focusing on avenues to bolster cooperation in various sectors. President Muizzu expressed profound gratitude for the Kingdom’s exceptional hospitality extended to Maldivian pilgrims, particularly highlighting the streamlined processes facilitated by the Makkah Route Initiative. This initiative, implemented at Velana International Airport, allowed Maldivian pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration procedures prior to departure, ensuring a seamless journey to the holy sites.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials from both countries. From the Saudi side:
- His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region
- His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports
- His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior
- His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard
- His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense
- His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Representing the Maldives were:
Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Moosa Zameer, Minister of Finance and Planning
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs
Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation
Mohamed Shahid, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chief of Protocol
President Muizzu’s visit to Saudi Arabia also included participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, reflecting the spiritual and cultural bonds shared between the two nations. The Maldives’ inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative this year was a testament to the strong bilateral relations and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating religious obligations for Maldivian citizens.
This high-level meeting signifies a continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, fostering mutual respect, and upholding shared Islamic values between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
