President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed have returned to the Maldives after completing their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

During their trip, the President and First Lady visited the hotel where Maldivian pilgrims were accommodated, met with several individuals, enquired about their wellbeing, and discussed various matters concerning their pilgrimage experience.

Following the pilgrimage, President Dr Muizzu met with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In their meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on strengthening the fraternal ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia in mutually beneficial ways. The President also conveyed his deep appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to the Crown Prince, for the generous hospitality extended by the Saudi government and for the excellent services provided to all pilgrims.

In addition, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, His Excellency Dr Tawfig F. Al-Rabiah, paid a courtesy call on the President. During the meeting, President Dr Muizzu expressed his gratitude for the Saudi Government’s efforts in organising the Hajj. He noted the smooth travel experience for Maldivian pilgrims following the Maldives’ inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative, and praised the warm hospitality and outstanding logistical arrangements made for Maldivian pilgrims.

Accompanying the President and First Lady on this journey were the Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer; the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, and his spouse; the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, and his spouse; the Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre, Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, and his spouse; as well as the Chief of Protocol, Mohamed Shahudy.

The President, First Lady, and the Maldivian delegation were hosted as special guests by the Saudi Government.