Discussions have been held between the Maldives and Seychelles on strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Iruthisham Adam and Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Barry Faure, who is currently on an official visit to the Maldives. This marks the first official visit to the Maldives by a Foreign Minister of Seychelles.
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Foreign Minister Iruthisham welcomed the Seychellois Foreign Minister.
During the discussions, both ministers highlighted the close and friendly relations shared by the Maldives and Seychelles as neighbouring island nations in the Indian Ocean.
The talks focused on enhancing the long-standing ties between the two countries, particularly in the areas of tourism, trade, and investment. The ministers also exchanged views on climate change-related challenges and discussed ways to further strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations.
In addition, discussions were held on enhancing cooperation among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and strengthening collaboration within regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Iruthisham noted that the visit marks the first official exchange between the Maldives and Seychelles since the formation of the new government in Seychelles.
Both ministers expressed confidence that the longstanding close relationship between the two countries will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
Foreign Minister Iruthisham was joined at the meeting by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya, Secretary Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary Ahmed Shiaan, Additional Secretary Khadeeja Najeeha, and Assistant Director Mohamed Shujau.
The Maldives and Seychelles officially established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1980. This year marks the 46th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.