Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid on Monday discussed new development projects with the Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi.
The meeting was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, following Foreign Minister Shahid's formal trip to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of his diplomatic mission to deliver Maldives' official statement to the Emergency Foreign Ministerial Conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Foreign Minister Shahid conveyed appreciation for the considerable investments made by United Arab Emirates to Maldives' developmental efforts.
Subsequent to the meeting, Minister Shahid posted on social media, expressing his gratitude to further ADFD assurances that it would continue to invest in new development projects in Maldives moving forwards.
Very positive meeting with H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, DG of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. Conveyed appreciation for investments made by #UAE in Maldives. Gratified by the assurances received by ADFD on new development projects. pic.twitter.com/8rFm8wWhNf
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) September 16, 2019
According to an official of the Foreign Ministry, Shahid relayed information concerning the airport developed with the aid of ADFD in Maafaru, Noonu Atoll.
While construction on the airport was completed, the government is currently seeking to contract companies to run its operations.
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviations Aishath Nahula previously declared plans to make Maafaru airport fully operational within the year.
The relationship between Maldives and UAE has strengthened since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978.
Presently, Maldivians do not require a visa for entry into UAE, and the country remains Maldives' biggest contributor for importing goods.
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