Discussions have been held regarding recovery efforts from Covid-19, in Maldives and Sri Lanka.

As part of his ongoing trip to the middle-east to take part in the fifth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2021, Vice President Faisal Naseem was called on by former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe.

During the meeting the pair engaged in discussions regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as well as efforts to gradually recover from the pandemic.

Extending gratitude for the generous hospitality extended by the government of Sri Lanka to the Maldivian community residing in the neighboring country, the vice president shed light on the Sri Lankan government’s contribution to the island nation’s education sector including vocational training and to the health sector.

VP Naseem highlighted the island nation’s efforts to address the climate crisis and urged the whole world to take action, revealing that that Maldives is investing immensely in environmental protection.

When inquired about tourism progress in the island nation, VP Naseem briefed the former Sri Lankan PM on the slow recovery of the sector, after suffering immensely from impacts of the pandemic.

The Maldivian VP departed from Velana International Airport (VIA) on December 2 and is accompanied by a delegation of high-level officials from the President’s Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He is scheduled to conclude his trip and return to Maldives on December 8.

During the trip, VP Naseem will be attending the fifth Indian Ocean Conference as a guest of honor, where he will deliver an address during the inaugural session.

The two-day conference will begin in Abu Dhabi, on December 4 and end on December 5.

Special plenary sessions have also been scheduled to be held on December 5 after the conference, titled “Ecology, Economy, Epidemic” this year, commences.