The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid has held several meetings with top Bruneian diplomats as part of his ongoing official visit to the southeast Asian country.

FM Shahid departed to Brunei on Thursday and held meetings with the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and the Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jafaar.

Discussions mainly revolved around consolidating the bilateral ties that exist between Maldives and Brunei, at the multilateral front.

After the meeting with the Sultan, FM Shahid stated that he is “convinced” that the new chapter of Maldives-Brunei relations that began today will “reach new heights in the years to come”.

At the call with the Sultan, FM Shahid expressed the government’s desire to further strengthen the people-to-people contact between Maldives and Brunei and took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Sultan for the generous scholarship opportunities extended to the Maldivian people.

FM Shahid assured the Sultan that the relations shared between both governments will bolster in the years to come as Maldives and Brunei share common views on a range of international issues.

Reiterating on the importance Maldives places in enhancing Islamic values and boosting political and economic ties with member counties of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Shahid noted that both countries, as members of the Commonwealth of Nations, have increased opportunities for cooperation in the multilateral fora on an extensive range of issues that are of both national and international concern.

In addition, meeting with his counterpart, FM Shahid stated that the new era being embarked upon will open up new opportunities that are sure to enhance the cooperation between both countries.

Discussions touched down on several aspects of the bilateral ties including instituting a ministry to the ministry level cooperation agreement to help reinvigorate cooperation between Maldives and Brunei.

In addition, Shahid extended gratitude for scholarships provided by Brunei and went on to explore possibilities for additional scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students.

Noting the importance Maldives attaches to support and educate people with special needs, FM Shahid highlighted that the country is keen on developing the social sector as well.

He went on to shed light on the importance of establishing a halal science laboratory in Maldives, requesting Brunei’s assistance in the field.

Moreover, FM Shahid noted confidence that both countries will continue to work together on the international issues of mutual concern.

Further, the minister discussed on reviving cooperation in the health sector of Maldives and Brunei during the meeting with Minister Jafaar.