Discussions held on enhancing Maldives-Oman tourism, trade cooperation

Discussions have been held on enhancing cooperation in the fields of tourism and trade between the governments of Maldives and Oman.

As part of his ongoing visit to Oman as the Special Envoy of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid met with the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Sayyid Badr Albusaidi on Wednesday.

The meeting was held at the Foreign Ministry of Oman and saw FM Shahid conveying greetings and good wishes from President Solih to the leadership and the people of Oman.

He also presented a letter addressed to the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq on behalf of President Solih.

Shedding light on the close historical relationship between the two countries that were rooted in cultural and historical links and shared Islamic values, the foreign ministers engaged in discussions revolving around avenues to enhance the relations further.

They also touched down on the significance of promoting people-to-people contact between the two countries.

As such, discussions revolved around strengthening cooperation in the fields of tourism, trade, investment and education.

They also affirmed their commitment to continue working closely together, bilaterally and in the international fora, on issues of shared importance.

The meeting was joined by Non-Resident Ambassador of Maldives to the Sultanate of Oman, Mohamed Khaleel and Joint Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Fathimath Najwa.

The Omani foreign minister was accompanied by Ambassador Khalid Al Muslahi, Head of the Foreign Minister’s Office Department and Minister Plenipotentiary Mohammed Alkathiri, Head of West Asia Department and First Secretary Hazaa Alreesi, at the Foreign Minister’s Office of Oman at the meeting.

Maldives and Oman established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1981.

The two countries celebrate the 41st anniversary since the inception of diplomatic relations, in 2022.

FM Shahid headed to Muscat, Oman on Tuesday and was received by the Chief of Protocol of Oman Khalid Aljaradi. He is expected to return some time on Thursday.