The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, met with the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, today.

During the meeting, Minister Zameer reflected on the long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and the UAE and expressed gratitude for the closeness accorded to the Maldives by the Government of the UAE. 

Minister Zameer highlighted the generous assistance and consistent support provided by ADFD for the implementation of the projects and explored avenues to go forward with the proposals submitted to the Fund.

In particular, Minister Zameer expressed gratitude for the support towards the extension of Velana International Airport, noting that it will expand connectivity, leading to increased tourist arrivals and strengthening the resilience of the economy of the Maldives. He also highlighted the development of Maafaru International Airport project, including the expansion of the airport, would result in the realization of even more avenues for investment cooperation.

Minister Zameer was accompanied at the meeting by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry, Shiruzimath Sameer, the Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the Maldives in Abu Dhabi, Hassaan Waheed, and the Counsellor of the Embassy of the Maldives in Abu Dhabi, Moomina Ibrahim.

ENDS

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Moosa Zameer participated in the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable on “Shared prosperity, economic resilience and investments” and highlighted issues of importance to Small Island Developing States, noting that the Maldives faces significant economic, social, and environmental challenges.

During his remarks, Foreign Minister Zameer highlighted that the Maldives is determined to fight the climate crisis and make the country more resilient to external economic shocks. Minister Zameer noted the importance of a Europe that delivers mutually beneficial and durable partnerships in digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education, and research. Minister reiterated President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment and determination to work with the EU to uphold international law and a rules-based international order in the Indian Ocean.

The roundtable was co-chaired by Paolo Gentiloni, EU Commissioner for Economy and Matai Seremaiah, Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu. 

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Dr. Mohamed Muizzu sworn in as President of the Maldives