Minister Khaleel Disputes Reports on President Muizzu’s Saudi Arabia Visit 

Minister Ibrahim Khaleel clarifies misinformation on media outlets regarding President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Saudi Arabia, affirming that no official communication has been made.

Local media outlets reported last week that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was preparing for his inaugural official visit, with Saudi Arabia as the intended destination. The reported flight was scheduled for the 23rd of the current month.

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On November 22, the President’s Office contacted Communication Minister Ibrahim Khaleel to seek clarification on the news. Minister Khaleel acknowledged awareness of media rumours but clarified that the office had received no official communications.

The minister explained that, despite the media announcing the visit with a specified date, the President’s Office had not made any official announcements regarding the visit or its schedule. He attributed the conflicting information to media reports rather than official communications.

However, a reliable source familiar with the trip informed a local news outlet that the President’s visit had been rescheduled. This change was reportedly prompted by a report submitted by the Saudi envoy who attended President Muizzu’s swearing-in ceremony.

The Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim, present at the swearing-in ceremony, expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment and hospitality in his report to his home government.

Consequently, President Muizzu’s planned visit to Saudi Arabia was postponed. The Saudi Cabinet had approved signing a trade agreement with the Maldives the day before the initially scheduled visit.

Saudi Arabia’s national news agency reported that a meeting chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz decided to continue talks with the Maldives Economic Development Ministry to sign a trade agreement. Both governments have not released any further information on the matter.