The Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid attended the reception held to mark the 48th National Day of the United Arab Emirates.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid attended the reception held to mark the 48th National Day of the United Arab Emirates.
Addressing the function, Minister Shahid conveyed, on behalf of His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Maldivian Government and the People of Maldives sincere greetings and felicitations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE Government and the brotherly people of the UAE on the auspicious occasion.
Minister Shahid noted that the close ties of friendship between the two countries have strengthened and taken unprecedented strides, ensuring a much stronger development partnership. Minister highlighted the role of ‘Abu Dhabi Fund for Development’ in key developmental initiatives which greatly benefited the Maldivian society. Minister Shahid also expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude for UAE’s continuing assistance and goodwill towards the Maldives. In that regard, Minister shared that the discussions with the UAE Leadership during the recent visit by His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih resulted in the approval of the second phase of Maafaru International Airport development, which includes land reclamation and extension of the runway to accommodate wide bodied aircraft.
On behalf of the Maldivian Government, Minister Shahid congratulated the UAE Leadership for the continuing progress the country has achieved both regionally and internationally. Minister further noted the participation of Maldives in the EXPO 2020 to be held next year and reiterated the commitment of the Maldivian Government to further consolidate the close friendship between the two countries.
The reception organized by Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Maldives was held last night at Dharubaaruge.
ENDS