Maldives has sought Comoros’ support in its bid to host the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) 2023.
A high-level delegation, comprising of Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof, are in the African island nation on an official visit.
While Minister Shahid is there as the president’s special envoy, the team called on President Azali Assoumani on Tuesday.
During the meeting held in Moroni, Shahid presented a letter to President Assoumani from President Solih, seeking the country’s support for Maldives to host the next Indian Ocean Island Games.
They also “discussed avenues to further strengthen the relationship between Maldives and Comoros.”
In a tweet posted after, Minister Mahloof noted that Comoros is also “seeking to win the 2023 IOIG bid.”
Shahid and Mahloof also met with their Comorian counterparts on Tuesday; Minister of Foreign and International Corporation Souef Mohamed El Amine and Minister of Youth, Employment Development, Occupational Integration, Culture and Sports Nourdine Ben Ahmed.
While Comoros is the last stop of their Indian Ocean island tour, seeking support to host IOIG 2023, they had traveled to Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius.
In an interview to Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) News, Minister Shahid noted that Maldives has participated in the last 10 editions of the Indian Ocean Island Games.
“…we feel that it is time that we return the hospitality that has been given, accorded to the Maldivian athletes by our sisters and brothers in the Indian Ocean”Minister Shahid
The delegation departed on the four-island tour on July 7.
