Ambassador: Maldives-Saudi relations expanding across all fields

Relations between Maldives and Saudi Arabia are growing stronger and expanding across all fields, says Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani, Saudi’s top diplomat in Male’.

Al-Qahtani made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday on occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day.

Al-Qahtani, who also hosted a special reception in Male’ to mark the occasion, said that the partnership between Maldives and Saudi Arabia is one that reflects mutual respect, shared values, and a joint vision for sustainable development and prosperity.

He said that the partnership has been growing stronger and expanding under the leadership of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

“ln recent years, bilateral relations have expanded significantly, covering diverse fields including trade, investment, tourism, education, and sustainable development,” he said.

“Saudi Arabia has been a key partner in supporting infrastructure and tourism projects in the Maldives, contributing to the island nation's growth and progress. ln turn, the Maldives has expressed its deep appreciation for the Kingdom's pivotal role in Islamic world and championing global causes and promoting development and peace initiatives.”

Al-Qahtani said that engagements between Maldives and Saudi Arabia reflect a shared determination to explore “new opportunities for cooperation, ranging from economic initiatives and cultural exchange to joint efforts in addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable resource management.”

He also stressed that the partnership between Maldives and Saudi Arabia is not limited to government-to-government collaboration. But also seeks to foster greater connectivity between the peoples of the two nations.

Al-Qahtani said that both sides are working to promote tourism, educational exchange programs, and private sector partnerships, which stressed play a vital role in deepening mutual understanding and creating tong-term opportunities.

“This strong bilateral relationship stands as a model of constructive engagement between nations. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to building bridges of cooperation with its international partners under the framework of Vision 2030 and reflects the Maldives' aspiration to strengthen ties with the Kingdom, a key regional and global actor,” he said.

Al-Qahtani said that he looks forward to expanding Maldives-Saudi cooperation “across new horizons”.

“Together, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Maldives are determined to ensure that this partnership continues to deliver prosperity, stability, and development for both nations and their peoples,” he said.

Maldives and Saudi Arabia established formal diplomatic relations on March 17, 1981. The Arab country has since become a key developmental partner for the Maldives, providing assistance in crucial infrastructure development projects, including the project to expand its national airport.

With President Muizzu and Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel away on official trips, Tuesday’s reception to mark Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day was attended by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Chief Justice Abdul Ghani Mohamed, and other senior state officials, as well as foreign diplomats.