Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, has recently met with the Minister of Islamic Affairs of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, during Dr. Shaheem's current visit to Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, Minister Shaheem expressed gratitude for the commendable services provided by the Saudi Government to Maldivian Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
During their discussions, Minister Shaheem acknowledged the generous treatment and valuable services extended to Maldivian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims by the Saudi government. He specifically highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Saudi Embassy in Maldives. Additionally, he expressed thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman for their generosity towards the Holy Mosque, as well as Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and visitors to Madina.
Minister Shaheem made a request to permit students studying in Saudi Arabia to assist pilgrims during the Hajj season. Furthermore, he sought the opportunity for Maldivian media to cover the Hajj in the local language.
The two ministers also deliberated on the potential increase in the country's Hajj quota and discussed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's efforts to facilitate the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage process.
Dr. Shaheem extended an invitation to Minister Tawfiq to visit Maldives at a convenient time, and reciprocally, Minister Tawfiq was invited to deliver a lecture on crisis management in Maldives. Minister Tawfiq was Minister of Healthof Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This visit was arranged following an invitation extended by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah.