Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid held a telephone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi regarding various issues that have come to light over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Noting the escalating COVID-19 situation around the world and in Pakistan, Minister Shahid expressed solidarity with Pakistan and commended efforts by Pakistan's government to address the issue.
The foreign minister informed Minister Qureshi of state-implemented measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 as well as the pandemic's impact on Maldives' economy; one wholly dependant on tourism and imports.
Minister Shahid expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for continuous assistance and ensuring the welfare of Maldivians residing in Pakistan, particularly students, amid the ongoing crisis. According to recent statistics, there are approximately 500 Maldivian students in Pakistan.
Shahid also guaranteed that Pakistani citizens residing in Maldives would be well cared for.
Referring to the recent video conference held by SAARC leaders regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, the minister reiterated President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s call for a comprehensive regional strategy stipulating greater cooperation between the region’s emergency health agencies as well as addressing short and long term economic relief.
Minister Shahid further disclosed to the Pakistani Foreign Minister that Maldives has established a COVID-19 emergency relief fund with an initial pledge of USD 200,000 and that the state had decided to accept the SAARC Development Fund proposal seeking to mobilise USD 5 million as grant aid from its existing budget for emergency efforts.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid conveyed warm greetings to Foreign Minister Qureshi, the Pakistani government and the country's citizens on the historic occasion of Pakistan Day.
Both Ministers reiterated their commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties between Maldives and Pakistan as well as to continue cooperating on bilateral and international issues of mutual concern.
During the call, Foreign Minister Qureshi accepted Minister Shahid's invitation to undertake an official visit to Maldives.
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