Saudi–Maldives Partnership Built on Faith, Friendship, and Shared Prosperity: Saudi Envoy
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives, Yahya Al-Qahtani, hosted representatives from leading Maldivian media outlets at the Saudi Embassy in Malé today, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the Maldives.
Welcoming the participants, Ambassador Al-Qahtani emphasized the importance of open communication and collaboration with the media in advancing mutual understanding.
It is a great pleasure to engage with such esteemed media colleagues. Our aim is to build a relationship of trust, transparency, and constructive dialogue,
He stated
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Ambassador Al-Qahtani underscored the deep-rooted friendship between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives, established formally in 1981, and reinforced by the opening of the Saudi Embassy in Malé in 2015.
He noted that cooperation now extends across infrastructure, housing, Islamic affairs, and cultural exchange.
Recent high-level meetings including President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s engagement with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reflect the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Ambassador highlighted the role of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), which since 1978 has provided over USD 488 million in support for 14 major national projects.
Ongoing initiatives include the Velana International Airport expansion, a 400-unit affordable housing project, and S. Hithadhoo Regional Hospital development.
Ambassador Al-Qahtani also spoke about fisheries development project focused on cold storage and improved export infrastructure funded by Saudi and aimed at enhancing Maldives’ seafood competitiveness and reduce losses.
Unwavering Support for Palestine
Ambassador Al-Qahtani reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause.
He noted that Saudi Arabia has contributed over USD 5.3 billion in humanitarian and development aid to Palestine and continues to advocate for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Saudi Arabia’s support for Palestine is unwavering rooted in moral duty, faith, and our responsibility as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to stand for justice and compassion
He stated
Shared Vision
Concluding the meeting, Ambassador Al-Qahtani said:
Our partnership with the Maldives goes beyond diplomacy it is built on faith, friendship, and shared prosperity. Through Vision 2030, development cooperation, and initiatives like the Makkah Route, we are strengthening both our infrastructural and spiritual connections.
Ambassador Al-Qahtani cooncluded
Also in attendance during the meeting were the Deputy Ambassador, Faisal Al-Sehli, and the Head of the Media Section, Waleed Al-Dosari.
The engagement reflected Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts under Vision 2030 to deepen ties across the Islamic world through development, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The Maldives remains a valued partner in this journey, with cooperation continuing to grow across infrastructure, trade, and people-to-people relations.
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