An agreement has been signed between Maldives and Saudi Arabia regarding Hajj services for the upcoming Hajj season.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed during his ongoing visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Thaufeeq Bin Fauzaan signed the agreement on behalf of the Saudi Arabian government.
The agreement outlines the policies to be followed with regard to the Hajj season, including payment procedures for the pilgrimage, the responsibilities of Maldivian Hajj service providers, and the establishment of the Maldives’ Hajj mission to oversee Maldivian Hajj pilgrims.
This annual agreement is signed between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia ahead of the Islamic Hajj month every year to ensure the best possible arrangements and services for Maldivian pilgrims.
The Maldives government consistently undertakes extra efforts to enhance the Hajj experience and to ensure quality services for pilgrims. The government also aims to increase the number of Hajj quotas available to the Maldives, in alignment with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to increase the quota available to Maldives to 2,000 slots.
In addition to signing the agreement, Minister Shaheem also held discussions with Minister Dr Thaufeeq Bin Fauzaan on improving hajj services. He thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz for his efforts to serve the two Holy Lands and expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his efforts to serve pilgrims from all over the world. Minister Shaheem also emphasised President Muizzu’s desire to further strengthen the brotherly bond between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.
At the meeting, Minister Dr Thaufeeq acknowledged the priority given by the Maldives government towards Hajj-related matters and thanked the government for its efforts.