Maldives, Pakistan discuss ways to further enhance relations

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, have discussed on ways to further enhance relations between both nations.

The two leaders spoke via phone on Monday, where they updated each other on the respective countries’ Covid-19 response measures.

Solih commended Pakistan’s effective response, while briefing him on the Maldives’ existing and projected case numbers, and explained that the Maldives has had a recent spike in infections which health authorities have responded to with stricter measures.

Noting that the ongoing global pandemic has severely impacted countries’ economies, particularly those of vulnerable countries such as the Maldives, President Solih praised the Pakistani prime minister’s leadership in calling for debt-relief, through the G-20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

He added that this will be of particular benefit to small and developing countries.

President Solih, via Twitter, said that they had also discussed on ways to “further enhance the already warm and fraternal relations between Maldives and Pakistan.”

Noting that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Maldives and Pakistan, the President’s Office said that relations between both nations has “continued to strengthen over the years on the basis of mutual respect and engagement, and a shared Islamic faith.”

It added that Solih and Khan “spoke positively regarding taking the bilateral partnership forward.”

They ended the call after expressing their mutual commitment towards strengthening relations, while PM Khan revealed hope that the Maldives' “vibrant tourist industry will soon recover from the challenges of Covid-19.”