The Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid has requested Malaysia’s assistance in obtaining urgent and necessary medical equipment.

This was done during a telephone conversation the minister had with his counterpart in Malaysia, Dato Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

As such, the ministers discussed the welfare of Maldivians living in Malaysia, at this critical time where the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is sweeping across the globe at an alarming rate.

Further, FM Shahid thanked the Malaysian government for their hospitality extended to the Maldivian people.

The Malaysian Foreign Minister was briefed on the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on Maldives, followed by measured being implemented by the government in order to curb the spread of the disease.

Highlighting the heavy impact on the country’s economy following this, FM Shahid noted that as a small island developing state, Maldives is highly dependent on tourism and imports.

In addition, he noted that Malaysia is a destination of choice for Maldivians and that it hosts a large Maldivian community even now.

The pair reaffirmed their commitment to continues cooperation and collaboration in advancing interests on areas of mutual concern, both bilaterally and internationally.

In a separate conversation with his counterpart in India, the Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, FM Shahid expressed gratitude for the valuable assistance provided to the Maldivian people and government during this “critical period”, especially the assurance given by the Indian government of continuity in the supply of essential food, medicines and other items to the Maldives.