Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs calls on the President

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawah, and Guidance, Sheikh Salih bin Abdul Aziz bin Muhammad Al-Shaykh has paid a courtesy call on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, on Thursday morning.

At the meeting, the President highlighted the close relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, and described Saudi Arabia as one of Maldives’ closest friends. He also expressed his hopes for further strengthening the close ties between the two countries, especially in promoting Islam.

Noting that the new Islamic Centre being built in the Maldives, with the grant assistance from the Saudi King, will be the most symbolic representation of the Maldives’ Islamic identity, President Yameen expressed his gratitude to King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

Speaking at the meeting, the President assured that the Maldives will always be steadfast in upholding Islamic values, despite pressure from some international organisations. He also condemned the acts of extremism being carried out by radical groups and individuals in the name of Islam, reiterating that the Maldives will never tolerate such acts.

At today’s meeting, President Yameen noted the importance of conducting religious awareness programmes targeted towards the youth population. Discussions were also held on arranging for Saudi scholars to carry out short term training programmes at the Islamic University of Maldives.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia commended President Yameen for his efforts in maintaining a moderate Islam in the Maldives. He also briefed the President on the work being done by the Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry to promote Islamic education. The Minister and the President further discussed the areas in which the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawah, and Guidance could assist the Maldives.

The President was accompanied at the meeting by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Ziyad, Legal Affairs Secretary at the President’s Office Uza. Aishath Bisham, Under Secretary at the President’s Office Mohamed Naseer, and Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Ibrahim Ahmed.