President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed gratitude for the financial assistance provided by the government of Saudi Arabia, especially through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). The president made the remarks during the bilateral discussions with the Ambassador-designate of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives Matrek Abdullah Al-Ajalin Aldosar.
Congratulating the new ambassador on his appointment, President Solih expressed confidence that the strong ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia would continue to prosper under his ambassadorial tenure. Praising the Saudi government on their decisive actions to contain COVID-19, the President welcomed the decision of the Saudi Arabian government to allow Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to resume after a suspension, which had been in place due to the pandemic.
On international relations, the President expressed his gratitude for the leadership role that Saudi Arabia plays in the Islamic world, including in forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He relayed the determination of his administration to positively engage with the Saudi Arabian government on all matters of mutual interest.
Ending the call the President relayed his well wishes to King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and to the Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman. Both the President and Ambassador expressed commitment to working together to keep the relationship between the two countries strong and enduring.