Former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan has praised the treatment and hospitality extended by the Saudi Arabian authorities to the pilgrims.
He made the statement speaking in the ceremony held to recognize the work carried out by those who had served the Maldives Hajj Corporation in the past two years. The ceremony was held Friday night in Dharubaaruge.
In his address, Dr. Waheed noted the services extended by the Custodian of the Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Azeez, to the pilgrims. He thanked the King on his behalf and on behalf of the Maldivian public.
Dr. Waheed said that the work carried out by the King to extend the area of the mosque was a service to the entire Muslim ummah. He added that he had been able to witness the work carried out in the mosque during his visit the past Ramadan.
“The grandeur and the vastness of the area can only be experienced first handed. King Salman had also initiated third phase of the extension of the Medina mosque last June,” Dr. Waheed said.
He noted that Saudi Arabia is the next destination preferred by Maldivians after neighboring countries.
“The relationship between Maldives and Saudi Arabia has to be strong. During the past years, the relationship had diminished, but it gave me great pleasure to re-forge that relationship. Now the relationship is stronger than ever. King Salman has given Maldives a special regard. President Yameen has worked tirelessly to foster that relationship,” he said.
Dr. Waheed further noted that the Saudi Charge d’ Affairs Thoriq Al Fayez had taken part in the ceremony, expressing his desire to see enhanced bilateral relations for the two nations in the future.
Dr. Waheed praises Saudi hospitality given to pilgrims
