The Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has discussed the response efforts against the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, with his counterpart in Bahrain, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

Discussions were held between the two foreign ministers via a telephone conversation on Tuesday afternoon.

Both ministers discussed the challenging facing both countries due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Minister Zayani was also briefed on the current precautionary measures being implemented by the Maldivian government to contain and control the spread of the infection and ensure that patients receive “utmost care and support”.

FM Shahid applauded the Bahrain government’s efforts to combat the virus. In a Twitter post after the telephone call, FM Shahid wrote that the “very positive” spirit of cooperation between Maldives and Bahrain will continue to unite the people and make both governments stronger, “against common challenges”.

Further, FM Shahid went on to express gratitude to his Bahrain counterpart and expressed appreciation towards the close bond between both countries.

The long-standing friendship between Maldives and Bahrain is based on mutual cooperation.

Both countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries, this year.