Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid has met with several Bulgarian government officials.

The President-elect of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) met with Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, Svetlan Stoev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Ms. Zaritsa Dinkova and Tourism Minister of Bulgaria, Dr. Stella Baltova during his ongoing visit to the country.

At the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Foreign Minister Svetlan Stoev and Deputy Foreign Minister Zaritsa Dinkova, both parties discussed ways to strengthen and improve the current bilateral relationship between the Maldives and Bulgaria. The Ministers also discussed how to further commit to the bilateral partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interests.

Foreign Minister Shahid then went on to highlight the role played by Bulgaria in the European Union and also pointed out the European Union’s efforts in reviving the democracy in the Maldives. Furthermore, he affirmed the Maldivian Government’s commitment to this relationship is long term.

Minister Shahid met with the Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, Dr. Stella Baltova at the Ministry of Tourism in Bulgaria, later that day. Both Ministers explored ways to enhance cooperation between tourism sectors of both countries.

Foreign Minister Shahid pointed out the increase in number of Bulgarian tourists arriving to the Maldives and stated that he hopes that Maldives would be further promoted as a tourist destination in Bulgaria. They also discussed the importance of increasing transport connections between Maldives and Bulgaria.

Minister Shahid along with Minister Baltova, also spoke about the obstacles both countries faced due to Covid-19 and discussed the extensive measures that were taken in order to overcome the situation.

Minister Shahid then briefed Minister Baltova about his plans and goals as the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), highlighting that he believes that it is very important for countries to coordinate in order to find a solution in regards to the pandemic.

High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom, Dr. Farahanaz Faizal and her Third Secretary, Mariyam Afnaan accompanied Foreign Minister Shahid on this trip.