The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure, received the Maldivian Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr Adbulla Shahid, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of the Maldives, Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for a courtesy call at State House this morning. Minister Shahid was accompanied on his visit by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Mahloof, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and other Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials from Maldives.

 

Minister Shahid and his delegation are in Seychelles to formally convey a special message on behalf of his President, seeking the Government of Seychelles’ support in their bid to host the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games. The Minister also took the opportunity to discuss with President Faure, ways through which the two island nations can strengthen relations.

The President welcomed both Minister Shahid and Minister Mahloof to Seychelles shores and also expressed Seychelles’ wish to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Maldives and Seychelles.

‘As two small island states, we face similar challenges and opportunities. Our two countries should engage in frequent dialogues with the aim of uncovering new avenues for cooperation. Seychelles also considers Maldives as an important partner in advocating for the cause of Small Island States. We appreciate your support in the blue economy initiative for which Seychelles is a champion, and in shedding light on the adverse effects of climate change on SIDS,’ said President Faure.

Other areas of discussion included exchanges in areas such as youth, culture, disaster risk management, tourism and air connectivity, as well as capacity building and training.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Minister Shahid thanked President Faure for receiving him and his delegation and reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of the Maldives to further engage and consolidate the existing ties between the two island nations.