President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has described Saudi Arabia as the Maldives’ closest nation and emphasized that the country gives special priority to the Maldives, speaking at a ceremony marking the government’s two-year achievements.
Held at the Social Centre, the event highlighted the administration’s foreign relations achievements under the theme of prioritizing Arab and Islamic countries. President Muizzu stated that strengthening ties with Arab and Islamic nations remains the highest priority in the Maldives’ foreign policy agenda.
“The closest nation to us is Saudi Arabia. Through our relationship with Saudi Arabia, the Makkah Route Initiative was established due to the priority given to the Maldivian people by the King and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Today, I express my deepest gratitude to them on behalf of the Maldivian people,” President Muizzu said, noting that the initiative facilitated greater conveniences for Hajj pilgrims during the last season and is expected to continue in the coming years.
Highlighting broader foreign policy achievements over the past two years under the “Maldives First” policy, the President stressed that fostering strong economic partnerships and trade opportunities remains a priority. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the administration has expanded Maldivian representation abroad, including establishing embassies in Qatar and Turkey, appointing Non-Resident Ambassadors to 27 countries, and placing representatives in key international organizations.
President Muizzu reaffirmed that securing the best outcomes for the nation through foreign relations is a primary expectation of the Maldivian people, reflecting the government’s commitment to proactive and strategic diplomacy.