Saudi royal envoy departs Maldives after attending Independence Day celebrations

Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Minister of State of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has departed the Maldives after attending the Independence Day celebrations.

Prince Dr Mansour arrived in the Maldives on Saturday for a three-day official visit on behalf of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

He visited the Maldives at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to attend the celebrations marking the 61st anniversary of the country’s independence.

During the visit, Prince Dr Mansour held discussions with President Dr Muizzu on further strengthening the longstanding relations between the two countries.

He was seen off at Velana International Airport on Monday by Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Principal Secretary to the President on Foreign Relations Mohamed Naseer.

Maldives gained full political independence on July 26, 1965, ending more than 77 years under British protection.

The Treaty of Independence was signed by then Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir on behalf of the Maldives, while Sir Michael Walker signed on behalf of the British Government. The historic ceremony was held at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Colombo.