Saudi Arabia and the Maldives discuss strengthening relations and regional developments
As part of the active diplomatic movement taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, met today with His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Abdullah Khaleel, in the city of Jeddah, which is currently witnessing an important Islamic political movement.
This important bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, dedicated to discussing the current situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia, reflecting the pivotal role played by the Kingdom in embracing Islamic issues and providing platforms for dialogue and consultation among member states.
Details of the Saudi-Maldivian talks
The meeting included a comprehensive review of the distinguished bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Maldives. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen these relations and expand them to broader horizons across various political, economic, and developmental fields. The talks also addressed the latest regional and international developments and the efforts being made to address them, in a manner that serves the interests of both brotherly nations and the Islamic world.
The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in the Makkah region, Mr. Farid bin Saad Al-Shehri, which confirms the official interest in providing all means of support to ensure the success of these diplomatic meetings.
The depth of historical and strategic relations
Relations between Riyadh and Malé are of particular importance, based on a long history of friendship and cooperation rooted in Islamic values and fraternal ties. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key development partner for the Maldives, having contributed over the decades – through the Saudi Fund for Development – to financing numerous infrastructure and vital projects in the Maldives, thus strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
The Maldives also enjoys Saudi interest in promoting tourism and investment cooperation, while the Maldives views the Kingdom as a destination for Muslims and a major supporter of the issues of the Islamic world, especially in facilitating Hajj and Umrah procedures for Maldivian pilgrims.
The importance of diplomatic coordination at the current stage
This meeting comes at a sensitive time for the region and the world, which underscores the importance of coordinating positions among Islamic countries. The sideline meetings held on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summits play a vital role in unifying political visions on outstanding issues and strengthening Islamic solidarity.
Engineer Waleed Al-Khuraiji’s keenness to meet his Maldivian counterpart reflects the Saudi diplomacy’s commitment to the approach of continuous communication with all brotherly and friendly countries, in implementation of the wise leadership’s directives to enhance the Kingdom’s position as an active international player and a maker of peace and stability in the region.
