Vice President Faisal Naseem has highlighted the strategic vision of state leaders that led to the recent enhancement of bilateral relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. He made the remark at the ceremony held to mark the 93rd National Day of Saudi Arabia.
At the function, Vice President Naseem underscored the bilateral relationship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, which has endured for over four decades. He noted the connection, founded on mutual respect and trust, and highlighted that the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, both countries with Muslim populations, share close Islamic, cultural, and historical ties.
Additionally, Vice President Naseem highlighted the significance of the unification of the Kingdoms of Hejaz and Nejd, an event that culminated in the formation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He commended the considerable transformations and progress made by Saudi Arabia across various sectors, including infrastructure, economy, education, healthcare, and technology.
Furthermore, Vice President Naseem acknowledged the recent enhancement of bilateral relations between the two nations due to the strategic vision of their respective leaders. He pointed out the 2023 decision by the Saudi government to grant e-visas and on-arrival visas to Maldivians as a significant milestone in this context. He assured the unwavering commitment of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration to further strengthen the deep bonds of friendship between the two nations and expressed confidence in the potential for further enhancement of Maldives-Saudi relations.