Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has discussed continued cooperation with Kuwait, with a number of Kuwaiti dignitaries.

During his ongoing state visit to Kuwait, FM Shahid called on Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in Kuwait City.

During his meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart, FM Shahid expressed appreciation of the generous support and assistance provided to the Maldives through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

He also extended gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Maldives for the “invaluable” contributions Kuwait has made towards the socio-economic development of the island nation, over the years.

Both ministers also engaged in discussions regarding the long history of cooperation between Maldives and Kuwait, and the cordial people-to-people links and business-to-business ties enjoyed between both countries.

Further, the ministers went onto converse regarding the situation surrounding the global Covid-19 pandemic and exchanged perspectives on strategies to build back better, and become more resilient.

Briefing his Kuwaiti counterpart on Maldives’ National Resilience and Recovery 2020-2022 plan which revolves around economic diversification and boosting the social and governance sectors, FM Shahid also expressed commitment to strengthen and diversify the close bilateral partnership between Maldives and Kuwait, going on to reaffirm confidence to collaborate in the multinational arena on areas of mutual interest.

In a separate call with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister on Tuesday, FM Shahid delivered a letter addressed to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Conveying the president’s warm greetings to the Prime Minister and the Kuwaiti people, FM Shahid shed light on the close relationship enjoyed between the two countries based on mutual trust and respect and stemming from cultural and historical links and shared Islamic values.

He went on to thank the Kuwaiti Prime Minister for the constant support provided by Kuwait, through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, in helping the Maldives achieve its socio-economic goals.

Stressing that Maldives is one of the hardest-hit countries due to Covid-19, FM Shahid briefed the Prime Minister on the Maldivian president’s response and recovery plan.

During the call the Kuwaiti PM also commended the Maldivian government’s fast and effective measures to control Covid-19 and overcome struggle faced in its tourism-revival journey.

Kuwait remains committed to enhance the longstanding strong bonds of friendship between both countries, said the Kuwaiti PM who added that Kuwait is ready to assist Maldives development through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

FM Shahid and PM Al-Sabah went on to reiterate commitment to continue working closely together, bilaterally and in the international fora.

The meetings were joined by the ministry’s Multilateral Secretary Dr. Hala Hameed, Director Moomina Ibrahim, and Assistant Director Ahmed Salman Zaki.