News Desk
In a significant development, the Government of Maldives has formalized an agreement with Saudi Arabian authorities pertaining to this year’s Hajj services. The agreement was successfully signed during the Hajj and Umrah Conference held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, spanning from the 8th to the 11th of this month.
The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maldivian Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who put pen to paper on behalf of the Maldives. Representing the Saudi Arabian side, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, sealed the agreement, solidifying the cooperative effort between the two nations.
During his visit to the Kingdom, Minister Shaheem Ali Saeed further solidified ties by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, specifically addressing the safety aspects of transportation to key pilgrimage sites such as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
In a diplomatic meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Minister, Dr. Tawfiq bin Rabia, Minister Shaheem Ali Saeed advocated for official permission for Maldivian students studying in Saudi Arabia to actively assist pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season. He also requested official clearance for Maldives media to cover the Hajj proceedings in Dhivehi, the national language.
Furthermore, the two ministers engaged in discussions aimed at augmenting the country’s Hajj quota, reflecting a shared commitment to facilitating the pilgrimage experience for Maldivian citizens. The signed agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing the coordination and support provided to Maldivian pilgrims embarking on the sacred Hajj journey in the coming year.
