Maldives has received a donation from the government of Pakistan, in support the country’s response and recovery efforts from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

High Commissioner of Pakistan, Vice Admiral Ather Mukhtar handed over a cheque symbolizing the grant to Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid at a ceremony held at the ministry building, on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the grant marks an important milestone in the relations Maldives and Pakistan have enjoyed over the years, and contributes towards enhancing the close fraternal bonds between both countries.

The contribution totaling MVR 5,958,781.44 or approximately USD 386,432 was made through the SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund established during March last year during the SAARC Heads of States and Government virtual summit hosted to respond to the global pandemic.

All SAARC countries pitched in to voluntarily contribute to finance the emergency fund, which seeks to address challenges as well as to ease threats Covid-19 pose to the South Asian region.

During the ceremony, FM Shahid extended gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, the government as well as brotherly people for the generous financial assistance.

He went on to note that the gesture mirrors the special regard Pakistan has towards Maldives.

Pakistan is a key development partner of Maldives in multiple spheres.