Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has successfully concluded a four-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation between the two nations.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to enhance the Maldives’ international relations and economic development.
During his visit, Minister Zameer engaged in a series of high-level meetings with key Saudi officials, including Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud. In their discussions, the ministers reaffirmed the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, rooted in their shared Islamic heritage and values. Minister Zameer also presented a letter from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to the Saudi Foreign Minister, which was addressed to Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The dialogue between the two ministers focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for increased multilateral cooperation. Minister Zameer expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for the Maldives and voiced optimism about the potential for further engagement following this visit. The ministers also discussed scheduling the first round of bilateral political consultations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, underscoring their commitment to deepening diplomatic ties.
In addition to his meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister, Minister Zameer held talks with several other prominent Saudi figures, including Engineer Ibrahim Bin Yousef Almubarak, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Investment. The discussions centred on enhancing economic ties and exploring new investment opportunities in the Maldives. Minister Zameer highlighted the importance of Saudi investments in the socio-economic development of the Maldives and expressed his gratitude for the continued support.
Minister Zameer also met with Khalid Bawazier, the Deputy Minister of Finance for International Relations, where the conversation focused on trade and tourism cooperation. The discussions aimed at expanding investments between the two countries, reflecting the Maldives’ ambition to attract more Saudi investors and diversify its economic partnerships.
A particularly significant aspect of the visit was the meeting with Ayman Al-Sayari, the Governor of the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia. Minister Zameer provided an overview of the Maldivian economy, emphasising the growth of the tourism sector and the potential for further investment. The minister also addressed the challenges posed by the current account deficit, seeking Saudi support to overcome these economic hurdles through enhanced bilateral trade.
Further highlighting the visit’s success, Minister Zameer held productive discussions with members of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), including its CEO, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad. The meeting focused on securing financial assistance for ongoing and future projects in the Maldives, with particular attention to infrastructure and healthcare. Minister Zameer expressed appreciation for the SFD’s generous contributions and reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration to achieve mutual development goals.
Beyond governmental engagements, Minister Zameer took the opportunity to meet with the Maldivian community in Riyadh, which includes students, professionals, and their families. The minister reaffirmed the Maldivian government’s commitment to providing opportunities for technical training and higher education abroad, enabling Maldivians to excel in various professions. His interaction with the expatriate community highlighted the government’s dedication to supporting its citizens abroad and ensuring their professional growth.
Accompanied by key figures such as the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority Ahmed Munawar and the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Minister Zameer’s delegation was well-positioned to represent the Maldives’ interests in Saudi Arabia.
As the Maldives seeks to navigate the complexities of international relations and economic development, Minister Zameer’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a significant stride towards achieving these objectives. The visit not only solidified the existing ties between the two nations but also opened new avenues for future collaboration, reinforcing the Maldives’ position on the global stage.
