Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani, has said that the relationship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia has entered a new chapter in the economic sphere.
He made the remarks while speaking at the reception commemorating the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia.
In his address, Ambassador Al-Qahtani said President Muizzu’s participation at the National Day reception was a great honour, and that it went beyond merely being a ceremonial appearance. He said the President’s attendance was a meaningful expression of the deep friendship and brotherly ties between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives, and reflected the importance both countries place on their longstanding relationship at the highest levels.
The ambassador further said Saudi Arabia continues its development and transformation under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He said through Saudi Vision 2030, the country is working to build a diversified and sustainable economy, create new opportunities, invest in its people and expand its partnerships with countries around the world.
Speaking on the close relationship between both countries, the ambassador said Saudi Arabia and the Maldives have deep-rooted ties based on longstanding friendship, mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to peace, development and prosperity. He said the relationship has continued to strengthen over the years through political dialogue, high-level exchanges, cooperation through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), development cooperation, and increasing engagement between the two countries.
The ambassador also highlighted the June 2025 meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Muizzu in Saudi Arabia, and said that the meeting reaffirmed the two leaders’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation.
Speaking on the longstanding relationship between both countries, the ambassador said Saudi Arabia has been a longstanding and reliable development partner of the Maldives. The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) began its development partnership with the Maldives in 1978. Since then, the SFD has provided approximately USD 488 million in financing for several national development projects in the Maldives, especially in key sectors such as transport, healthcare, housing, fisheries and infrastructure.
The ambassador said Saudi Arabia is proud of the achievements made jointly with the Maldives and wants to further strengthen their development partnership for the benefit of both countries. He said Saudi-Maldives cooperation is entering a promising new phase in investment and economic partnership. He noted that a Saudi investment delegation recently visited the Maldives to explore new areas of cooperation, and that the delegation had met with President Muizzu, a ministerial committee, as well as representatives of the Maldivian private sector. He also noted that the Maldives–Saudi Investment Forum demonstrated strong interest from both sides in transforming potential opportunities into meaningful investments and projects.
Noting that Saudi Arabia wants to see greater Saudi investment and stronger business partnerships in tourism, trade, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure and sustainable development, the ambassador said such investment opportunities align with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Maldives’ development priorities.
The ambassador further highlighted that Saudi Arabia and the Maldives’ bilateral relationship also includes defence and security cooperation. He expressed appreciation for the Maldives’ participation in efforts to strengthen maritime security and the safety of major sea lanes, including its membership as a founding country of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC). He said it reflects a shared commitment to protect important maritime routes, ensure the safe movement of international trade and contribute to regional security and stability. He also praised the Maldives’ participation and support for the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia.
The ambassador also appreciated the Maldives’ support for peace, security, and stability in our region and beyond. He expressed confidence that the relations between both countries will continue to advance in the years ahead under the guidance of the leaderships of both countries.