Discussions have been held on the renewed strength of the partnership enjoyed between the governments of Maldives and Australia.

The discussions were held between Bilateral Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Hala Hameed and First Assistant Secretary for North and South Asia Division of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Sarah Storey.

The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

Discussions revolved around the enhanced partnership between the two countries in the recent years, especially with the establishment of a resident High Commission in the Maldives. 

Further, discussions revolved around the different avenues of cooperation between the two countries, including climate change, people-to-people ties, defence, Indian Ocean security and Australia’s immense contribution to human resource development.

Dr. Hala and First Assistant Secretary Sarah agreed to hold regular ‘senior officials talks’ in the future and to continue exploring avenues to further enhance the bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Australian High Commissioner in the Maldives David Jessup, Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Hodges and Political Research and Information Officer Abdulla Rasheed accompanied First Assistant Secretary Sarah.

The meeting was also joined by Senior Undersecretary Hassan Hussain Shihab and Desk Officer Saifulla Waleed.