VP: Saudi Fund for Development an invaluable partner in key development projects

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) – an organization run by the Saudi government to provide soft loans and grants to fund development projects in developing countries – has proved an invaluable partner in important development projects in Maldives, states Maldivian Vice President Faisal Naseem.

He made the remark while speaking at the reception held at Kurumba Maldives on Friday evening to mark Saudi Arabia’s 92nd National Day.

Speaking at the function, Faisal said the government and people of Maldives were highly appreciative of the Saudi government for their generous assistant and opportunities granted to Maldives over the years.

“The Saudi Fund for Development had been an invaluable partner in important developmental projects in the Maldives,” he said.

Faisal described the close bilateral relationship between Maldives and Saudi Arabia, which spans over four decades, as a “special and unique bond”.

He said the bond was based on mutual respect, the spirit of cooperation, and shared values - rooted in close Islamic, cultural, and historical ties.

Faisal spoke about the recent bilateral developments between the two countries, and said that the exceptional arrangements and the excellent hospitality extended towards Maldivian pilgrims led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to perform the holy pilgrimage this year were indicative of the closeness accorded to the Maldives by the government and leaders of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking further, Faisal said that Saudi Arabia was exemplary in implementing policies to achieve the country’s development aspirations.

He commended the Vision 2030 roadmap drawn up by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, which he said was a testament to what a country can achieve with the foresight of a capable leader and the perseverance of hardworking citizens.

He said that significant achievements have been made to support Saudi Arabia's economic diversification objectives and to build a prosperous future for the Saudi people in the five years since Vision 2030 was unveiled.

Faisal said Maldives will continue its close cooperation and collaboration with Saudi Arabia in the international arena on issues of mutual interest, and is always appreciative of the vital role of the the country in the promotion of Islamic solidarity.

Faisal expended Saudi Arabia's National Day felicitations and well wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince, the Saudi government, and the people of Saudi Arabia on behalf of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the government, and the people of Maldives.