The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, has commenced an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 29th to 31st January 2025, following an invitation from His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Saudi Foreign Minister.
During his visit, Dr. Khaleel is scheduled to engage in official discussions with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to review the longstanding and close brotherly ties of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. The talks aim to explore new areas for future collaboration between the two nations.
In addition to his meeting with the Foreign Minister, Dr. Khaleel will meet with the Saudi Minister of Commerce to explore opportunities to enhance collaboration in trade and investments. This visit underscores the Maldives’ steadfast commitment to deepening its brotherly ties with Saudi Arabia, focusing on expanding cooperation across key sectors.
Historical Context of Maldives-Saudi Relations
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia were established on 17th March 1981. Over the years, the relationship has been characterized by mutual respect and shared cultural and religious values. Saudi Arabia has been a significant economic contributor to the Maldives, with investments in various sectors, including infrastructure and tourism.
In recent years, both countries have sought to strengthen their bilateral ties further. High-level visits and engagements have been instrumental in exploring new avenues for cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. The Maldives has expressed a keen interest in attracting Saudi investments to bolster its economic development, while Saudi Arabia has shown interest in enhancing its presence in the Indian Ocean region.
This visit by Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel is expected to build upon the existing foundation of Maldives-Saudi relations, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual growth in the years to come.
