Minister met with Minister of tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Fund for the Development, in Riyadh, this afternoon
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid met with Ahmad Aqil al-Khatib, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Fund for Development, in Riyadh, this afternoon.
During the meeting, Minister Shahid briefed Minister al-Khatib on the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Maldives’ tourism industry, and its short and long term implications on the Maldives’ economy. Minister Shahid elaborated on the National Resilience and Recovery 2020-2022 plan, formulated by the Government of Maldives, and requested the assistance of the Government of Saudi Arabia, in its stead as an invaluable development partner of the Maldives.
The two Ministers exchanged updates and insights on the ongoing landmark projects in the Maldives, carried out with the assistance of the Saudi Fund for Development, and discussed the future of development cooperation between the Maldives and the Saudi Fund for Development. Minister Shahid also reiterated appreciation for the invaluable support consistently provided by Saudi Arabia, in sectors across the board, towards the attainment of the Maldives’ development goals.
Both the Ministers reaffirmed commitment to working closely together in the future to intensify the existing ties, and explore more possibilities for cooperation.
Minister Shahid was accompanied by Ambassador of Maldives to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Khaleel.
ENDS