Discussions have been held regarding the expansion of bilateral cooperation between Maldives and Canada.

During a virtual meeting on Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid held expansive discussions with his Canadian counterpart, Marc Garneau.

Discussions revolved around avenues through which both countries may enhance the bilateral cooperation, especially in the spheres of environment and climate change. The importance of multilateralism and the rules-based international order were also topics of discussion.

Both foreign ministers briefed each other on the impacts of the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic as well as the efforts currently being undertaken by the governments of both countries towards a resilient recovery from the pandemic.

Expressing commitment to continue cooperating in sectors of mutual concern, Minister Shahid and Minister Garneau reaffirmed their keenness to collaborate more closely at the multilateral sphere especially within the United Nations and at the Commonwealth.

Taking to Twitter following the virtual meeting, FM Shahid noted that Canada continues to be an important development partner of the Maldives, expressing his keen interest to expanding our cooperation especially in the areas of climate change and at the multilateral fora.