President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has been officially received by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The official welcoming ceremony was held Tuesday at the Royal Palace of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. img:http://s3.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14755997686800.jpg|Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud officially welcomes President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom - Photo: Saudi Press Agency
At the ceremony, President Yameen and King Salman ascended the saluting dais, following which the national anthems of the two countries were played. President Yameen then inspected a royal guard accorded to him. img:http://s3.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14755999674231.jpg|Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud officially welcomes President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom - Photo: Saudi Press Agency
At the official welcome ceremony, the Saudi dignitaries at the receiving line were introduced to President Yameen; and the Maldivian dignitaries were introduced to the Saudi King. img:http://s1.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14756000886981.jpg|Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud officially welcomes President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom - Photo: Saudi Press Agency
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud hosted a banquet in honour of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, following the official welcome ceremony. The banquet was held this afternoon at the Royal Palace.
The banquet was attended by senior members of the Saudi royal family, and Ministers and senior officials of the Saudi Government. The Maldivian delegation accompanying President Yameen also attended the banquet.
Following the banquet, President Yameen and King Salman led the official talks between the two countries, which was focused on investments and development assistance to the Maldives.
At the talks, the two leaders acknowledged the long-standing fraternal bonds between the two countries, and expressed hope of further strengthening the ties. President Yameen noted that Saudi Arabia is a very important development partner to the Maldives, and thanked King Salman for extending the Hajj quota granted to the Maldives to 2,000 this year.
He also praised Saudi Arabia's stance against the menace of global terrorism and violent extremism.
President Yameen arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday evening and was received by the Governor of Riyadh Province, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The President is visiting Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King Salman.