Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid has discussed ways to further enhance the close relationship between Maldives and United Kingdom with his counterpart in the United Kingdom, Jeremy Hunt.

The meeting was held as part of FM Shahid’s ongoing trip to UK which he embarked on, late Tuesday.

During the meeting, the UK MP also discussed the new embassy opening in capital Malé later in 2019.

Discussions were also held to strengthen the relationship between both countries through continued cooperation on shared interests of climate change and democracy.

While the Maldives minister met a number of UK government officials during the trip, upon his arrival in UK, FM Shahid first met with MP Hugo Swire, with whom he discussed Maldives rejoining the Commonwealth.

Shahid also met with MP Mark Field to discuss cooperation on climate change, democracy and security.

In addition, the Maldives Minister also met with MP Helen Grant where they discussed the vast opportunities in international trade and cooperation available to “Global Britain” after UK’s withdrawal from the European Union is delivered. During the meeting, Shahid expressed his gratitude to MP Grant for her “continued” support to Maldives

Further, Shahid also met Independent Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords and a Chancellor at the University of Birmingham, Lord Karan Bilimoria with whom he discussed ways to expand the ties between Maldives and UK. Taking to twitter following the meeting, Shahid wrote that Maldives appreciates Bilimoria’s “continuous” support extended.

While this is FM Shahid’s second visit to UK since assuming office in November 2018, he is set to conclude his visit and return within a week.

Also during his ongoing trip, FM Shahid had submitted documents for the Maldives to join the Commonwealth as a member state.