Discussions have been held on the long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The discussions were held between Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The meeting saw FM Zameer expressing gratitude for the closeness accorded to the government of Maldives by the government of UAE. 

Shedding light on the generous assistance and consistent support provided by ADFD for the implementation of projects, FM Zameer went on to touch upon avenues to go forward with the proposals submitted to the fund.

Further, he expressed gratitude for the support towards the extension of Velana International Airport (VIA) and noted that it will expand connectivity, which would in turn lead to increased tourist arrivals and boosted economy.

The Maldivian minister detailed the development of Maafaru International Airport project as well, including the expansion of the airport which would result in the realization of even more avenues for investment cooperation.

The meeting was joined by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shiruzimath Sameer, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the Maldives in Abu Dhabi Hassaan Waheed and Counsellor of the Embassy of the Maldives in Abu Dhabi Moomina Ibrahim.