There will be no discrimination between Maldivians and Bangladeshi nationals in the efforts to protect the people amid the Covid-19 pandemic, says Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

FM Shahid made the assertion while speaking at a ceremony on Wednesday morning to hand over the essential supplies donated by the Bangladeshi government in assistance of the Maldives’ Covid-19 response efforts.

During the ceremony held at Maldives Port, the foreign minister expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen as well as the government and navy of the neighboring nation for the timely assistance during this challenging time.

Highlighting that the government will not discriminate between Maldivians, Bangladeshi nationals or any other foreign national in its efforts to provide protection from the pandemic, the foreign minister noted that the people will be provided the appropriate healthcare, equally when needed.

Also speaking during the ceremony, Minister of Defense and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi and Chief of Defense Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal expressed gratitude to the navy and Armed Forces of Bangladesh for the cooperation extended.

They noted the neighboring nation’s assistance in the evacuation of Maldivians stranded in Nepal and Bangladesh as well as the deployment of the 10-member medical team earlier this week.

Further, the High Commissioner Designate of Bangladesh, Rear Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan also thanked the Maldivian government for ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshi nationals in the island nation.

He assured the government that Bangladesh will support Maldives in all efforts to fight against the pandemic.