President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, for crucial discussions pertaining to the development of Maldives.
Saudi media outlets report that President Muizzu’s impending trip will be a three-day official visit.
The President’s Office has yet to disclose details of the trip.
While Saudi Arabia is the first country to which President Muizzu will make his first official visit to since assuming office – the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, decided to sign a trade agreement with the Maldives.
The decision was reached during a meeting which was chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that Maldives and Saudi officials have initiated negotiations for the trade agreement.
The negotiations are being carried out by the Maldivian Economic Ministry, Saudi Economic Ministry, and Foreign Investment Authority.
The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim, who attended President Muizzu’s inauguration as the Special Envoy from Saudi Arabia, called on the president on Saturday, and discussed strengthening development cooperation such as trade, investment, and economic corporations.