In a key diplomatic engagement that further elevates the Maldives’ international partnerships, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel met with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty on Saturday in Cairo for bilateral discussions. The high-level meeting took place at the historic Tahrir Palace, reflecting more than 50 years of enduring relations between the two countries.
The dialogue underscored mutual commitment to advancing collaboration across several areas, with a special focus on tourism, trade, health, and education. Both ministers recognized the strong cultural and religious affinities that bind the Maldives and Egypt, serving as the foundation for their long-standing cooperation.
Dr Khaleel extended sincere appreciation for Egypt’s longstanding support in the development of Maldivian human capital, particularly through scholarship opportunities at Al-Azhar University, which has educated many generations of Maldivian students in Islamic studies and other disciplines. He acknowledged how this cooperation has not only enriched individual lives but also bolstered national development, especially in religious education.
The talks also explored expanding cooperation in the health sector, with an emphasis on sharing medical expertise and capacity-building. Dr Khaleel highlighted the Maldives’ interest in further developing trade and economic ties with Egypt, with particular attention to enhancing collaboration in agriculture and improving food security—two vital sectors for the island nation’s sustainability goals.
Tourism was a central theme of the meeting, with both ministers expressing enthusiasm about increasing visitor exchanges between the two nations. Discussions included joint strategies to boost travel flows and promote people-to-people connectivity, building on the growing reputation of the Maldives as a preferred destination for Middle Eastern travelers. The Maldives, renowned for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and Islamic-friendly tourism policies, offers a unique destination for Egyptian travelers seeking relaxation, safety, and cultural compatibility.
On the international stage, the ministers exchanged views on global and regional challenges, including the humanitarian situation in Palestine. Dr Khaleel praised Egypt’s leadership in supporting the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their quest for an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.
Dr Khaleel also conveyed deep appreciation for Egypt’s recent role in hosting the Gaza Peace Summit, which resulted in a ceasefire agreement, an outcome that provides hope for reducing the suffering of civilians and contributing toward long-term peace and stability in the region.
The meeting concluded with both ministers emphasizing their countries’ shared vision for deeper cooperation within multilateral platforms. They reiterated their commitment to working together in areas of mutual interest to support global peace, regional stability, and sustainable development.
Minister Khaleel was accompanied by Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Additional Secretary Khadeeja Najeeha. The visit reflects the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to enhance international relations, promote economic opportunities, and position itself as a key partner in regional diplomacy and tourism cooperation.
This renewed collaboration with Egypt offers new avenues to attract tourism from North Africa and the Arab world, reinforcing the Maldives’ role as a culturally harmonious and globally connected destination.
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