Maldivian government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced an agreement allowing Maldivians to travel to the UAE visa-free beginning in 2019.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, currently on an official visit to UAE, met with the country's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid before confirming the news.
According to a tweet by minister Shahid, both parties had discussed ways to strengthen diplomatic relations between both countries.
Honoured to call on Sheikh Abdullah, UAE Foreign Minister. Briefed on the new govt’s policies. Discussed strengthening of bilateral ties, increasing trade and investment. Reached a new visa agreement and Maldivians will be able to travel to UAE, visa- free beginning of next year. pic.twitter.com/e9Id7gPVC5
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) November 30, 2018
Shahid revealed that the agreement was made during Friday's meeting, noting that Sheikh Abdulla did assure him that the UAE would provide aid towards development in Maldives.
The newly appointed Foreign Minister's first trip since taking office was to neighbouring country India. The minister flew directly from India to the UAE.