Nasheed travels to Saudi at invitation of King Salman

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has travelled to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Nasheed, who currently resides in the UK as a political refugee travelled to Saudi Arabia with former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Naseem.

The purpose of the visit has not been disclosed.

However, it is likely the invitation is effort on part of the Saudi government to strengthen diplomatic ties with the incoming Maldivian government following the victory of President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) at the resent presidential elections held in Maldives.

Ibu contested against sitting President Abdula Yameen Abdul Gayoom at the presidential elections on behalf of a coalition made up of opposition parties and political leaders – of which Nasheed is a key member.

 Ex-President Nasheed was serving a 13-year prison sentence on terrorism charges when he obtained permission to travel to the UK for medical treatment. He later refused to return to Maldives and has been living in the UK and Sri Lanka for the past three years.

He recently announced he will be returning to Maldives on November 1.