Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdulla Shahid has met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan.
During the meeting held at Paradise Island Resort on the side-line of the 4th Indian Oceans Conference (IOC), Minister Shahid conveyed appreciation to the Government of Singapore for the hospitality provided to the Maldives delegation during the official visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in July. Minister Shahid noted the visit was a success and highlighted the agreement that was signed between foreign ministries of the two countries and the signing of the Open Skies Agreement. He also noted Maldives signed the Singapore Convention on Mediation on August 7.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Shahid reaffirmed the commitment of the government to further strengthen existing bilateral relations between the two countries. He noted Singapore is an important regional partner and a close friend of Maldives that has been one of the most important development partners.
Minister Shahid highlighted the 4th IOC would prove to be an important platform for regional cooperation on issues of importance to all our countries. He also noted Singapore as the Vice-Chair of the IOC has done excellent work in bringing the issue of oceans to the forefront of the discussions.
The foreign minister further noted issues relating to the environment, counter terrorism and technical cooperation.