The Saudi Ambassador to Maldives, Mutrek bin Abdullah Al-Ajaleen, said that the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holds the Maldives in high regard and highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
He made this remark yesterday, during a meeting with pilgrims from the Maldives who are departing for Hajj this year at the expense of the Saudi King.
The Ambassador highlighted that due to the Maldives being a 100 percent Muslim country, the Saudi King considers the Maldives to be of special importance.
"The King prioritizes providing this opportunity to the Maldives. He has special considerations for the Maldivian people, and they hold a special place in his heart," the Ambassador said.
He also highlighted that Saudi Arabia has taken measures to facilitate the visa process for pilgrims, making it easier for them to obtain the necessary documentation.
“It’s a huge relief for the locals,” Ambassador Mutrek said.
Every year, a number of individuals from Maldives are granted the opportunity to perform Hajj, with all expenses covered by the Saudi King. This year, the Saudi government has selected 10 people to participate in the pilgrimage. The selection process is carried out by the Saudi government in coordination with the Saudi Embassy in Maldives.
Maldives National Football Team captain Ali Ashfaq is among the pilgrims who will go for Hajj this year at the expense of the Saudi King.
The Saudi King's support for Maldives extends beyond the Hajj pilgrimage, with the funding of a mosque in Malé City and the launch of direct flights by Saudi Arabia's national airline "Saudia".
The last group of pilgrims from Maldives for this year's Hajj pilgrimage will be departing today.
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