News & press releases

Minister Shahid meets with Ministerial delegates on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue

16 January 2020

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives His Excellency Abdulla Shahid has met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia His Excellency Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia His Excellency Urmas Reinsalu, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary His Excellency Peter Szijjarto, on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.

During his meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Estonia and Hungary, Minister Shahid highlighted the importance and the interest of the Maldives, to invest in cultivating close bilateral ties with the European Union, and the countries of the EU, especially in commercial linkages, such as the export of fish and fisheries products. Minister Shahid also reiterated the request to facilitate easier visa facilitation for Maldivians travelling to the EU from the Maldives. Both countries received the requests positively. This is the first time Minister Shahid had met with both Ministers.

In Minister Shahid’s meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, both Ministers discussed the ongoing cooperation between both countries, especially in areas of economic cooperation, human resource development, fisheries, and people-to-people contact. The Ministers also discussed about the opening of the Maldives Embassy in Russia at the earliest.

Yesterday, Minister Shahid also met with the National Security Advisor of Afghanistan Hamdullah Mohib where they discussed the further strengthening of the relationship between both countries. Minister Shahid also had a courtesy call with the Chief of Defense Staff of India, General Bipin Rawat. Minister congratulated General Rawat on his appointment as the first Chief of Defense Staff, and the commitment to strong cooperation in the areas of defense and security affairs, between the Maldives and India, for peace and security of the Indian Ocean.

Additionally, the Foreign Secretary (designate) of India His Excellency Harsh Vardhan Shringla called on Minister Shahid. Minister congratulated the Foreign Secretary on his appointment, and expressed his commitment to work together closely with him and his team, in the coming year.

Minister Shahid is in New Delhi, attending the 2020 edition of the Raisina Dialogue from 14-16 January 2020.


ENDS