News & press releases

Foreign Minister Shahid holds a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Malaysia on the COVID-19 Pandemic

27 March 2020

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid had a telephone conversation with his Malaysian counterpart, His Excellency Dato Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

Minister Shahid briefed Minister Hishammuddin on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives and the measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus. Minister Shahid highlighted the impact on the economy of the Maldives noting that Maldives as a small island developing state is highly dependent on tourism and imports.Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the Government of Malaysia for the kind hospitality extended towards the Maldivian community in Malaysia.

Minister Shahid noted that Malaysia is a destination of choice for Maldivians and that Malaysia is a country that hosts one of the largest Maldivian communities.Minister Shahid also informed Minister Hishammuddin on the Maldivian health sector's ability to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and requested assistance of the Malaysian Government in obtaining urgent and necessary medical equipments.  Both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and collaboration in advancing interests on areas of mutual concern, both bilaterally and internationally.

ENDS