Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated the government will not discriminate between Maldivians and foreign nationals in providing treatment for COVID-19 in the Maldives. The minister made the statement while speaking at the ceremony held at Male' Commercial Harbour to hand over the commodities, medicines and protective equipment donated by the government of Bangladesh.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shahid thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, the government and the navy of Bangladesh for its timely and generous support during the challenging time the Maldives is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Shahid assured there will be no discrimination between Maldivians and Bangladeshi nationals, or any other foreign national, in the efforts to provide maximum protection from COVID-19, and the appropriate healthcare when needed.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi and Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Armed Forces, navy and the government for their cooperation and generous assistance extended in addressing the challenges posed by COVID-19, on multiple fronts. In addition to the grant aid donations, the assistance in the repatriation of Maldivians from Nepal and Bangladesh, and the deployment of Bangladesh Armed Forces medical team were noted.
Speaking at the ceremony, High Commissioner Designate of Bangladesh Rear Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan appreciated the efforts of the Maldivian government in ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshi citizens in the Maldives and reiterated the support from the Bangladeshi government in all efforts of the Maldives to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
A large stock of medical supplies and equipment were provided by the Bangladeshi government as assistance to fight COVID-19 in the Maldives. The items carried in the Bangladeshi navy ship include 20,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE), 960 safety eye goggles and other supplies of emergency medicine. Additionally, vegetables and food were also included in the cargo sent to the Maldives as assistance.