Male’, Maldives – The Ambassador-designate of Saudi Arabia to Maldives, Matrek Abdullah Al-Ajalin Aldosar, presented his credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday.
During the bilateral talks held after presenting the credentials at the President’s Office, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih extended his gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia for their continuous support to Maldives through the Saudi Fund for Development. The president especially highlighted the loan of USD 50 million granted by Saudi Arabia in June this year, in order to finance the Maldivian government’s affordable housing schemes and to develop the country’s fisheries sector.
In addition to this, the President hailed the efforts of the Saudi government to contain the spread of COVID-19, and resume the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages after a suspension of several months due to the ongoing pandemic. He further thanked Saudi Arabia for leading Islamic countries on the international arena, including in forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Stating that Maldives would continue to engage with Saudi Arabia in areas of mutual interest, President Solih expressed confidence that the historically strong Maldives-Saudi ties would continue to prosper under the tenure of the new ambassador. Maldives established diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia on March 17, 1981.
