Consul of Maldives in Chennai, India, Dr Hisamuddin Papa and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid have on Monday discussed challenges faced by Maldivians, whose ideal destination for medical treatment has remained neighboring India for a long time.

These discussions were held on Monday during a courtesy call paid to Minister Shahid by the Chennai consul at the Foreign Ministry.

While details of the meeting were shared via twitter, the Ministry wrote that the pair had held discussions about challenges Maldivians face while travelling to Chennai and residing there. The two had also deliberated on ways these issues may be resolved.

While the consul has paid the courtesy call, it is notable that the Minister’s first state trip since assumption of office in November was to India, during which he met with top government officials and held discussions about areas of mutual interest between both countries.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has also scheduled his first state trip to India, on the 17^th of December, where he will be signing an agreement with the Indian government regarding visa issues citizens from both countries face.