Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Maldives Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani has expressed gratitude to Maldives in continuing to maintain a "brotherly diplomatic policy" with Saudi Arabia.

In the statement released celebrating Saudi Arabia's 96th National Day, the ambassador said Maldives and Saudi Arabia are connected due to the strong bond of Islamic brotherhood, respect toward one another and brotherly diplomatic relations.

He also said the bond is being strengthened further by the cooperation between the two countries regarding the development, political, education and Islamic industries.

"The Saudi Kingdom gratefully acknowledges the respectful and brotherly policy Maldives continues to maintain with Saudi Arabia. The policies show strong unity, the respect both countries have for one another and the strong bond of friendship," said the ambassador.

According to Ambassador Al-Qahtani, developmental cooperation is a pillar that ties Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

He went on to say that an expenditure of USD 488 million from the Saudi Fund for Development has been put toward development projects in Maldives across key sectors from 1978 until now.

Saudi Arabia's National Day marks the day when the "Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd", a nation that was formed when Abdulaziz (Ibn Saud) conquered and seized control of Hejaz and Najd, was renamed to Saudi Arabia. It was changed to Saudi Arabia on 23rd September 1932 when Abdulaziz, the first king from Ibn Saud's lineage decreed it as such.