The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has distributed 15 tonnes of dates donated by the Government of Saudi Arabia through its Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.
According to the ministry, the dates have been distributed to a range of institutions across the country, including colleges, religious organisations and other relevant bodies.
A ceremony to officially hand over the donation was held at the Islamic Centre. The dates were presented on behalf of Saudi Arabia by Yahya Hassan Alqahtani, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives. The donation was accepted by Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs, on behalf of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Shaheem expressed appreciation to the leadership of Saudi Arabia for their continued support and cooperation with the Maldives. He thanked King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Saudi government, for maintaining close relations with the island nation. The minister also praised the work of Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al‑Sheikh, the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, for his role in supporting religious cooperation.
Dr Shaheem further highlighted the efforts of the Saudi Embassy in the Maldives in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. The Government of Saudi Arabia has also initiated a Iftar progrmme in the Maldives.