Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has arrived to Maldives, after concluding his official visit to UAE. During his visit, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid met his UAE counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended a warm welcome to Minister Abdulla Shahid. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also extended warm congratulations and good wishes to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and expressed his good wishes for the Maldives to reach new heights of development and progress under the new leadership. The two ministers discussed the issue of visa waiver for Maldivians travelling to UAE.
In this regard, it was agreed from the beginning of 2019, Maldivians will be able to travel visa free to UAE. Minister Shahid thanked for the warm welcome and kind hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his visit and also for the continued support towards the development of the Maldives. Both ministers discussed ways of further strengthening the close brotherly relations between the two countries including cooperation on higher education and assistance in renewable energy.
Moreover, Foreign Minister Shahid met Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Shahid reflected on the close brotherly relations between Maldives and UAE. Minister Shahid also expressed gratitude to the leadership and Government of UAE for the valuable contribution towards the socio-economic development of the Maldives and reiterated the importance of further strengthening the historical ties between the two countries.
Director General Al Suwaidi welcomed Minister Shahid and assured UAE would extend its support in all areas of cooperation and will always remain as a special development partner of Maldives. He further reiterated commitment to work closely with the Government of Maldives.
The foreign minister travelled to UAE after visiting India as his maiden official trip since assuming his ministerial post on November 17.