President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday described the ongoing visit of Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi, Dr Salah bin Muhammad al-Budair to the island nation as a symbol of the longstanding brotherly ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.
The President made these remarks during Dr Salah’s courtesy call on Tuesday morning.
During the meeting, the President extended a warm welcome to the Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi, to the Maldives, highlighting hosting the Imam as a great honour.
He also emphasised that the visit is a symbol of the longstanding brotherly ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He further highlighted that it has been 41 years since an Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi officially visited the Maldives.
At the meeting, the President acknowledged the generous support of the Saudi government in various areas of national development, particularly in the field of Islamic education. He also expressed appreciation for the special care and hospitality extended to Maldivian pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.
Speaking at the meeting, the Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi expressed gratitude to the Maldives government for the invitation and hospitality. He remarked that the bond between the two nations is deeply rooted in their shared Islamic values and expressed his hopes for further strengthening of this relationship.
He also conveyed warm greetings and well-wishes from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.
The meeting concluded with both the President and the Imam expressing their shared hopes that this historic visit will further strengthen the spiritual ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia and serve as a source of inspiration for the Maldivian people.