Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel has extended gratitude for the support provided by the government of Philippines during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Following the ceremony to present his credentials to the Maldivian president, Non-Resident Ambassador of the Philippines to Maldives, Alan L. Deniega paid a courtesy call on the state minister on Monday.

During the meeting, State Minister Khaleel expressed hope that the close bilateral relations enjoyed between the Maldives and Philippines would be further strengthened during the tenure of the newly-appointed Philippine ambassador.

With this being said, the state minister expressed gratitude to the government of Philippines for the support extended especially during the ongoing pandemic.

He highlighted that the Filipino workers residing in the Maldives have made immense contributions especially in the sectors of health and tourism.

The meeting was joined by Javed Faizal, Additional Secretary of the East and Central Asia Department, Fathmath Naeema, Executive Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ibrahim Haail, Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ambassador went on to engage in discussions during meetings held with senior officials of the foreign ministry as well.