Discussions have been held regarding new avenues for cooperation between the Maldives and Serbia.
This was done during a meeting held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Ivica Dačić as part of FM Shahid’s recent visit to Serbia.
The two ministers had fruitful discussions during the meeting, revolving around enhancing the existing bilateral relationship in a wide array of sectors such as education cooperation, youth development, health, and tourism.
During the meeting the government of Serbia revealed that they are ready to receive 20 to 25 young athletes between the ages 12 to 18 from the Maldives to train them in volleyball, football, and handball.
This initiative is expected to be carried out in mid-2023.
Further, the government of Serbia also expressed keen interest to increase the scholarships they offer to Maldivian students.
At the meeting, FM Shahid inquired about the possibility of establishing a visa waiver agreement between the Maldives and Serbia, noting that such an agreement will increase people-to-people ties, promote tourism and add to the bilateral portfolio between the two countries.
The government of Serbia in turn revealed that the request will be taken into consideration.
Following the meeting, both ministers observed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.
The MoU will pave the path to periodic consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Maldives and Serbia.
It is also expected to provide a framework to review and examine aspects of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
FM Shahid arrived in Belgrade, Serbia, on the official visit late Friday and concluded his visit on Monday.
His visit came upon the official invitation from his counterpart, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia, Ivica Dačić.
