The Maldives and Saudi Arabia have held discussions on organising an international Qur’an competition in the Maldives.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Dr Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, as part of Minister Shaheem’s ongoing official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Minister Shaheem is visiting Saudi Arabia at the special invitation of Minister Dr Abdullatif.
During the visit, Minister Shaheem discussed with his Saudi counterpart a number of initiatives aimed at advancing Islamic affairs in the Maldives. He said that, during the meeting, he had requested Saudi Arabia’s support for holding an international-level Qur’an competition in the Maldives. He added that discussions had also been held on making the competition an annual event.
Minister Shaheem also expressed his appreciation for the close relations maintained by Saudi Arabia with the Maldives. He highlighted the support and assistance provided to the Maldives by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as their efforts to strengthen the brotherly ties between the two countries.
In addition, Minister Shaheem thanked the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs for his invitation and the warm welcome extended to him. He also expressed gratitude for the assistance and cooperation provided by Saudi Arabia in strengthening ties between the Islamic ministries of the two countries and in efforts to advance Islam.
In a post shared on social media regarding the visit, Minister Shaheem said he hoped that the two countries would enjoy further prosperous days together. He also expressed hope that, under the guidance and direction of the current Saudi King and Crown Prince, and during the administration of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, relations between the two countries would continue to grow stronger.
The Maldives and Saudi Arabia have long maintained close relations. In addition to Saudi Arabia’s support for the development of religious affairs in the Maldives, the Saudi government continues to facilitate easier and more convenient arrangements for Maldivians undertaking Hajj.
The Maldives and Saudi Arabia formally established diplomatic relations on 17 March 1981. Saudi Arabia remains a country that continues to provide assistance to the Maldives across a range of areas, including financial and other forms of support aimed at promoting the country’s development.