President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met with Dr Salah bin Muhammad al-Budair, the Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi, at the President's Office in a meeting that underscored the enduring ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The visit, the first by an Imam from Masjid al-Nabawi in four decades, marked a significant milestone in diplomatic and spiritual relations.
In his remarks, President Dr Muizzu expressed the deep honour felt by the Maldivian people in hosting Dr al-Budair. He highlighted the historical importance of the visit, noting the substantial passage of time since the last such engagement. A statement from the President's Office described the visit as a symbol of the fraternal bonds uniting the two nations.
Dr al-Budair conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Maldivian government for its gracious invitation and warm hospitality, according to the statement. He reaffirmed the strong relationship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared Islamic principles, and brought greetings and best wishes from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Discussions between the president and the imam, according to the President's Office, touched on the generous support provided by the Saudi government across various sectors, with particular emphasis on Islamic education. President Dr Muizzu expressed his appreciation for the care and hospitality extended to Maldivian pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah.
The meeting, attended by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Senior Imam of the Islamic Centre Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about the visit's potential to strengthen spiritual connections between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. They voiced hope that the occasion would inspire the Maldivian people.
Dr al-Budair's visit, extended at the invitation of the Islamic Affairs Ministry under the guidance of President Dr Muizzu, seeks to reinforce the Islamic identity of the Maldives by hosting prominent scholars from the global Muslim community. His itinerary includes leading Friday prayers in Malé and the Salman Mosque, delivering religious discourses, and conducting specialised sessions for various age groups. The visit was sanctioned by King Salman.