Remarks by His Excellency Faisal Naseem, Vice-President of the Republic of Maldives on the occasion of the 92nd National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 23 September 2022 -[...]

Your Excellency Matrek Abdullah Al-Ajalin Aldosari, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Maldives, Honorable Speaker of the Majlis President Mohamed Nasheed, Cabinet Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,

And a very good evening to you all.

It is a great pleasure to be a part of this joyous celebration of the Ninety Second National day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On behalf of His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Government and the people of Maldives, I take this opportunity to convey sincere felicitations and well wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Saudi Government and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Maldives and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a special and unique bilateral relationship spanning over four decades. This special bond of friendship is based on mutual respect, and the spirit of cooperation and shared values. As hundred percent Muslim nations, our shared values are rooted in close Islamic, cultural and historical ties. The Kingdom is close to the heart of every Maldivian, as the birthplace of Islam, and for the presence of two holy Mosques.

The year 2022 has exhibited a more intensified expansion of those bilateral ties between our two countries. Bound by our close relationship and the strategic vision and guidance of our leaders, our relationship has scaled new heights. I believe that this is an opportune occasion to highlight some of the recent developments in this regard.

The exceptional arrangements and the wonderful hospitality extended towards Maldivian pilgrims led by His Excellency President Solih to perform the holy pilgrimage is indicative of the closeness accorded to the Maldives by the government and leaders of Saudi Arabia.

The past two years have been a difficult time for the global community. It forced us to take unprecedented and burdensome measures to curb the Covid-19 pandemic. It also barred us from travelling to the Holy Land of Makkah to perform Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. That was one of the biggest sorrows we ever had to face as Muslims.

In Sha Allah, this year has been different. Despite the limited number of allotments we received, I am happy that some Maldivian pilgrims were blessed with the opportunity to perform their Hajj pilgrimage. And I hope that next year, we will receive a higher quota.

Just this week, our Foreign Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation between the respective Foreign Ministries of our countries. This MoU will facilitate holding of regular consultations at all levels on bilateral relations and international issues of mutual interest. It also demonstrates the shared desire and commitment of the two countries to elevate the existing partnership to even greater heights.

The government and people of the Maldives are highly appreciative of the leadership and the government of Saudi Arabia for the generous assistance and opportunities granted to the Maldives over the years. Saudi Fund for Development has been an invaluable partner in key developmental projects in the Maldives. Similarly, the generosity of His Majesty King Salman is evident in all islands all around the Maldives, through numerous mosques built by the kind assistance of His Majesty. In the capital Malé, the King Salman Mosque has opened its doors to worshippers. These projects are testament to the close friendship and brotherly relations we have sustained over the years.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Ninety-Two years on from the unification of the Kingdoms of the Hejaz and Nejd and the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we are in awe of what Kingdom has achieved. Throughout the years, generations of Saudi Arabians have succeeded in realising the vision of the founding fathers of the country. We commend the Leadership, the Government and the people of Saudi Arabia for your forward-looking achievements and progress.

However, I believe more needs to be done to promote greater Islamic unity and consolidate Islamic solidarity in the face of current global challenges. We must do more together to promote a peaceful society and an inclusive Ummah, as we also take steps to discourage factors that threaten our unity and sow divisions amongst us.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Saudi Arabia is exemplary in implementing policies to achieve the development aspirations of the country. Vision 2030, the roadmap drawn up by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, for Saudi Arabia is testament to what a country can achieve with the foresight of a capable leader, and the perseverance of hardworking citizens. Five years after Vision 2030 was unveiled, many noteworthy achievements have been made to support the Kingdom's economic diversification objectives and to build a prosperous future for the people of Saudi Arabia.

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

I am assured that Saudi Arabia remains committed to strengthening the brotherly ties we share, by the tireless efforts of Ambassador Matrek and his team at the Embassy. I reassure the strong commitment of the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government to further consolidate the close friendship between our two countries. The Maldives will continue our cooperation and close collaboration with Saudi Arabia in the international arena on issues of mutual interest and are always appreciative of the vital role of Kingdom in the promotion of Islamic solidarity.

I pray for continued progress and prosperity to the Kingdom and once again convey my warm felicitations to the Government and the people of Saudi Arabia on this auspicious occasion.

Thank you very much,

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