Waheed congratulates new Saudi Heir Apparent

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan has sent a congratulatory message to the new Heir Apparent to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Following the death of Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz last week, His Highness Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud assumes the position of next in line to the Saudi Arabian throne.

President Waheed offered his congratulations on behalf of the Maldivian people.

“While I express my hope for further strengthening the brotherly relations and co-operation that so happily exist between our two countries, may I also take this opportunity to convey my personal best wishes for a long life in good health and happiness for Your Highness, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia,” read Waheed’s message.

The funeral of Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz on Sunday was attended by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom as Waheed’s Special Envoy.

Gayoom was visiting Saudi Arabia to address the Constituent Council of the Muslim World League earlier this month, where he called for assistance from Islamic Arab countries in developing education and other services in the Maldives, as well to protect the country’s faith by “groups” he alleged are trying to weaken it.

The former president reportedly claimed that the present economic downturn, a loss of peace and order in the country and efforts “by groups of people to weaken people’s Islamic faith”, were among the most pressing challenges presently facing the Maldives.