The Ambassador arrived at the President’s Office in a traditional “Haiykolhu” cultural procession from Republic Square, accompanied by the MNDF Drum and Trumpet Band.

Following the official handover, President Muizzu and Ambassador Alhqahtani engaged in discussions on shared interests and bilateral cooperation.

President Muizzu conveyed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support to the Maldives, highlighting the close ties maintained by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He also thanked the Saudi government for including the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative, praising the services offered through the programme and the efforts to further improve the experience for Maldivian pilgrims.

Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to deepening the long-standing relationship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

The Maldives and Saudi Arabia officially established diplomatic ties on March 17, 1981.