President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described the relationship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia as one that extends far beyond traditional diplomatic ties, highlighting the two countries’ shared faith, values, mutual respect and longstanding sense of brotherhood.
The President made the remarks while speaking at a reception held at Niva Kurumba Maldives to commemorate the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia.
President Muizzu said the close friendship between the two countries is strengthened by their cultural similarities and shared traditions of hospitality. He highlighted values associated with Saudi Arabia, including courage, foresight, generosity and hospitality, while praising the Kingdom’s role in promoting development, stability and peace internationally.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani, said the longstanding relationship between the two countries is now entering a new chapter, particularly in the areas of investment and economic cooperation.
The ambassador said the relationship is founded on friendship, mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to peace, development and prosperity. He noted that bilateral ties have continued to expand through political dialogue, high-level exchanges, cooperation through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), development assistance and growing engagement between the two countries.
He highlighted the June 2025 meeting between Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Muizzu in Saudi Arabia, saying the meeting reaffirmed the leaders’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation.
Saudi Arabia has been a development partner of the Maldives for decades, with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) beginning its partnership with the Maldives in 1978. According to Ambassador Al-Qahtani, the SFD has since provided approximately USD 488 million in financing for national development projects, particularly in transport, healthcare, housing, fisheries and infrastructure.
President Muizzu also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s assistance to the Maldives in these sectors, recalling the Kingdom’s support following the 2004 tsunami, which contributed to reconstruction efforts in the country.
The ambassador said Saudi Arabia is seeking to further expand its economic partnership with the Maldives. A Saudi investment delegation recently visited the Maldives and held discussions with President Muizzu, a ministerial committee and representatives of the Maldivian private sector.
He said the Maldives-Saudi Investment Forum further demonstrated interest from both sides in turning investment opportunities into concrete projects, particularly in tourism, trade, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure and sustainable development.
The ambassador said these areas are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Maldives’ own development priorities, adding that Saudi Arabia wants to see stronger business partnerships and increased investment between the two countries.
President Muizzu also highlighted several initiatives reflecting the depth of bilateral relations, including the Mecca Route Initiative, which has made Hajj and Umrah journeys easier for Maldivian pilgrims. He described the King Salman Mosque in Malé as a lasting symbol of Saudi generosity and the religious and friendly ties between the two countries.
The President further highlighted maritime security and freedom of navigation as important areas of cooperation, noting that the Maldives’ security and prosperity are closely connected to the sea.
He described the signing of the Charter of the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition as an important milestone in bilateral relations.
Ambassador Al-Qahtani also welcomed the Maldives’ participation as a founding country of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, saying the cooperation reflects a shared commitment to protecting important maritime routes, ensuring the safe movement of international trade and contributing to regional security and stability.
He also praised the Maldives’ participation and support for the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition led by Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, President Muizzu said the Maldives’ participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh would create further opportunities to strengthen cooperation in tourism, investment and innovation while expanding people-to-people connections.
The ambassador said Saudi Arabia is proud of the achievements made jointly with the Maldives and expressed confidence that bilateral relations will continue to advance under the leadership of both countries.
Referring to the Saudi National Day slogan, “Our Pride is in Our Nature,” President Muizzu said the phrase represents more than national identity, describing the values behind it as principles that shape Saudi Arabia’s character and future direction.
