The government will continue to provide all required assistance to Maldivians stranded abroad due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid made the statement during the first virtual conference with all employees of the ministry including ones currently at diplomatic missions from Tokyo to the United States, on Thursday night, adding that he is certain that his team will continue to be on the frontlines of Covid-19 relief efforts.

At the meeting, the minister expressed gratitude towards the employees and noted that they are the reason behind his success as foreign minister.

He also noted that the Maldivian people are lucky to have such a dedicated team, especially at such adverse times.

Noting the Maldives’ dependence on tourism and imports for subsistence, the minister stressed that the Covid-19 crisis has impacted the Maldives greatly.

Shahid has already secured various aid from the international community following the Covid-19 outbreak, including from India, Bangladesh and the United States.

Further, while arrangements are being made to send care packages to Maldivians abroad, the ministry’s employees at the missions at the respective countries are active in ensuring that these are delivered to the intended recipient.