Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has departed on an official visit to Saudi Arabia to sign the 1447 Hajj Agreement between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

During the visit, Minister Dr Shaheem is scheduled to meet with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiya, to finalise the agreement. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs stated that discussions will also cover arrangements for Maldivian pilgrims participating in next year’s Hajj.

The Minister will also meet Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Yahya, Chairman of the Oversight Committee of the Mecca Route Initiative, to review the progress of the programme. The Maldives was included in the Makkah Route Initiative in 1446, allowing smoother immigration and customs procedures for Maldivian pilgrims.

Additionally, Minister Dr Shaheem is also set to attend the opening ceremony of the 5th Hajj and Umrah Conference organised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia have continued to strengthen, particularly in the area of religious cooperation and Hajj facilitation.