The Maldives and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday held official talks, led by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The discussions took place at the Royal Palace of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
During the high-level discussion, King Salman acknowledged the long standing, existing bilateral relationship between Maldives and Saudi Arabia and expressed his keen interest to further reinforce the brotherly ties between the two countries.
President Yameen emphasised that Saudi Arabia has remained a strong partner in the development of our nation and expressed gratitude to the King of Saudi Arabia for the overwhelming hospitality offered to the Maldivian delegation on arrival to the country.
The President further stated that Maldives is keen and enthusiastic in supporting Saudi Arabia, to stand against the threat of global terrorism.
During the discussions, President Yameen highlighted that we are currently at the peak of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In his talks, the President also thanked the King for extending Hajj quota to the Maldivian pilgrims.
Speaking at the meeting, King Salman acknowledged that the guardianship of the Two Holy Mosques was a treasured responsibility on the part of Saudi Arabia.
President Yameen invited King Salman to make an official visit to the Maldives, and he accepted the offer and agreed to visit the Maldives at a mutually convenient date.
The President was accompanied at the official talks by a high-level delegation that includes Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Asim, Minister of Economic Development, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee, Minister of State, Foreign Relations, at the President’s Office, Mohamed Naseer, and Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdulla Hameed.