Maldives and Indonesia have discussed the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Lestari Pransari Marsudi, held a telephone conversation on Wednesday morning.

During the conversation, Minister Shahid briefed the Indonesian minister on the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact in the Maldives, as well as the measures implemented by the government to curb the spread of the virus. He also shared the Maldivian health sector's ability to cope with the pandemic.

He also thanked the Indonesian government “for the support and assistance provided in repatriating Maldivian citizens from Indonesia”.

The conversation concluded after both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and collaboration in advancing interests on areas of mutual concern, both bilaterally and internationally.

In a tweet sent out after, Minister Retno expressed gratitude for Maldives’ support and assistance in the repatriation of 804 Indonesian citizens amid the crisis.

Minister Shahid tweeted that they had shared details of Covid-19 responses and shared experiences, ‘especially its impact of the tourism industry’.

He also noted that Indonesia “continues to be a valued and trusted partner of the Maldives” and that both countries will continue to work closely.