A renewed commitment to advancing bilateral relations marked the official meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. The meeting was held as part of Minister Khaleel’s official visit to Kuwait and highlighted nearly five decades of enduring friendship and partnership between the two countries.
During the high-level discussions, Minister Khaleel underscored the strong and historic ties between the Maldives and Kuwait, founded on mutual respect, trust, and a shared Islamic heritage. The meeting also served as an occasion to commemorate 48 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, relations that have matured through continuous engagement, development cooperation, and shared values.
Minister Khaleel expressed heartfelt appreciation for Kuwait’s continued support to the Maldives over the years, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). He highlighted the Fund’s important role in supporting national development projects, such as the expansion of Velana International Airport and recent assistance in the health sector through concessional financing facilities. These contributions have played a pivotal role in the Maldives’ economic and social progress.
The meeting also focused on charting a path forward for future collaboration. The Ministers exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in tourism, trade and investment, renewable energy, healthcare, aviation, and people-to-people exchanges. Minister Dr Khaleel reiterated the Maldives’ keen interest in attracting new investments from Kuwait, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure development, which are key national priorities aligned with the country’s sustainable development goals.
Both ministers concluded the meeting by expressing optimism about the future of Maldives–Kuwait relations. They shared a mutual aspiration to continue strengthening bilateral ties in ways that bring lasting benefits to the people of both countries and contribute to regional cooperation.
Accompanying Minister Khaleel during the official talks were Joint Secretary Ms. Khadeeja Najeeha and Political Director Ms. Fathimath Nasha Ismail, reflecting the Maldives’ strategic and structured approach to fostering comprehensive foreign relations with longstanding development partners like Kuwait.
This diplomatic engagement underscores the Maldives’ dedication to cultivating strong international partnerships that support its ambitions as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and responsible investment in the Indian Ocean region.
advertisment
advertisment
