President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Ahmed have wrapped up their official trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where they performed the Hajj pilgrimage following a special invitation from the Saudi government.

The visit served as both a deeply spiritual experience and a platform for advancing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

President Dr. Muizzu departed for Saudi Arabia on May 31st, accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Maldivian government.

The royal invitation underscores the deepening of ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, a relationship built on shared values and mutual interests.

During the visit, President Dr. Muizzu held a significant meeting with His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

The bilateral talks, held at Al-Mina Palace, focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening fraternal relations and explored new avenues for mutually beneficial collaboration.

President Dr. Muizzu also met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfig F. Al-Rabiah, during a courtesy call.

In the meeting, the President expressed his appreciation for the exceptional services provided to Maldivian pilgrims this year and highlighted the positive impact of the Maldives’ inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative, which has significantly streamlined Hajj-related travel procedures.

He praised the outstanding hospitality and logistical arrangements made for Maldivian pilgrims, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s deep commitment to the welfare of all Hajj participants.

Beyond official engagements, the President and First Lady took time to personally meet with Maldivian pilgrims in Makkah.

The President listened to their experiences, inquired about their well-being, and reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring a secure and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for all.

The couple was officially seen off at the airport by the Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saud, marking the end of a visit that has both symbolic and strategic significance.

This year, 1,000 Maldivians traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The return of pilgrims to the Maldives will begin this Friday.

The royal invitation extended to President Dr. Muizzu and the high-level bilateral engagements that took place during the visit signal a reinvigorated chapter in Maldives–Saudi Arabia relations, rooted in faith, diplomacy, and long-term partnership.