His Royal Highness Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of State and Cabinet Member of Saudi Arabia, arrived in the Maldives on Saturday as the Guest of Honour for the country's 61st Independence Day celebrations.

Representing Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Dr Mansour is visiting at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, he was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam and Principal Secretary to the President on Foreign Relations Mohamed Naseer, before being accorded a Guard of Honour by the Maldives National Defence Force.

Prince Dr Mansour later paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu at the President's Office. During their meeting, the President thanked Saudi Arabia for its continued support to the Maldives, particularly through the Makkah Route Initiative, which has made Hajj travel easier for Maldivian pilgrims.

The two leaders also discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, built on shared values and mutual respect.

President Muizzu also hosted a luncheon in honour of Prince Dr Mansour as part of the official programme, highlighting the close ties between the two nations.