His Royal Highness Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of State, and Cabinet Member of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu today at the President's Office. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival in Malé.

His Royal Highness is visiting the Maldives as the Guest of Honour for the official celebrations commemorating the 61st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Maldives. He is attending the celebrations on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the invitation of President Dr Muizzu.

During the courtesy call, the President warmly welcomed His Royal Highness and expressed his sincere appreciation to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for accepting the invitation to attend the Independence Day celebrations. He also conveyed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia's continued support to the Maldives, particularly through the Makkah Route Initiative, which has greatly facilitated travel for Maldivian pilgrims. In response, the His Royal Highness emphasised the special importance the leadership of Saudi Arabia has always attached to the development and welfare of the Maldives.

The discussions focused on further strengthening the longstanding brotherly bond and bilateral cooperation between the two countries, founded on their shared faith, mutual respect, and common values. Both leaders also explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and other areas of mutual interest.