The Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency, Matrek Abdullah Al-Ajalin Aldosar, presented his credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at a ceremony held this morning at the President’s Office. Following the credentials ceremony the President and new Ambassador discussed bilateral relations.

Congratulating the new Ambassador on his appointment, the President expressed confidence that the strong ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia would continue to prosper under his ambassadorial tenure. President Solih also thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for the generous assistance they have provided throughout the years through the Saudi Fund For Development. He highlighted the Saudi Government’s 50 million US Dollars Loan Agreements concluded in June this year to help finance the Affordable Housing Scheme and develop the Maldives’ Fisheries Sector.

Praising the Saudi Government on their decisive actions to contain Covid-19, the President welcomed the Saudi Government’s decision to allow Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to resume after a months’ long suspension, which had been in place due to the pandemic. On international relations the President expressed his gratitude for the leadership role that Saudi Arabia plays in the Islamic world, including in forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He relayed his Administration’s determination to positively engage with the Saudi Government on all matters of mutual interest.

Ending the call the President relayed his well wishes to King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and to the Crown Prince, Mohamed Bin Salman. Both the President and Ambassador committed to working together to keep the Saudi Maldives relationship strong and enduring.