President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have concluded their Hajj pilgrimage and departed Saudi Arabia on Monday, following an official invitation from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

During the visit, President Dr Muizzu met with Maldivian pilgrims and stated the Government is working to provide free medical check-ups and vaccinations before departure, along with improved accommodation and access to free treatment in Saudi Arabia if needed.

The President also held high-level meetings during his stay. He met with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two leaders discussed avenues to further strengthen the long-standing relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

In addition, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, His Excellency Dr Tawfig F. Al-Rabiah, paid a courtesy call on President Dr Muizzu. During the meeting, the President expressed his gratitude for the exceptional services provided to Maldivian pilgrims, and acknowledged the broader efforts made by the Saudi authorities in ensuring the comfort and safety of all pilgrims.

As the visit concluded, the President and First Lady were officially seen off by the Governor of Jeddah, His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saud.

President Dr Muizzu extended his heartfelt thanks to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the people of Saudi Arabia for their hospitality, and for the continued support given to Maldivians travelling to perform Hajj, Umrah, and visit the holy sites.

The President was among several global leaders invited by the Saudi Government to perform the pilgrimage, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered by the Kingdom.

The delegation accompanying the President included Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel and his spouse, Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu and his spouse, Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre Sheikh Mohamed Latheef and his spouse, and Chief of Protocol Mohamed Shahudy.