Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar calls on Minister Asim and Foreign Secretary

13 April 2017 – Male’

The Foreign Secretary of India, His Excellency Dr. S. Jaishankar called on Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim, this morning.

During the call held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Asim welcomed the Foreign Secretary to the Maldives and reflected on close bilateral relations between the Maldives and India. Discussions also ensued on ways to comprehensively deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. Minister Asim emphasized the assistance received from India for development of the defence, health and human resource sector of the Maldives and expressed his gratitude for remaining as a close reliable friend.

Minister Asim was accompanied by His Excellency Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Foreign Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Khaleel, Secretary, Bilateral and Ms. Aishath Azeema, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Secretary of India, His Excellency Dr. S. Jaishankar also met the Foreign Secretary of Maldives, H.E. Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed this morning.

During the meeting the two Foreign Secretaries reviewed the close friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. The two Foreign Secretaries also discussed ways for further strengthening the ties between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed was accompanied by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Khaleel, Secretary (Bilateral), Ms. Aishath Azeema, Joint Secretary and Ms. Samahath Zuhuree, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The Foreign Secretary of the Republic of India arrives in Maldives

12 April 2017 – Male’

The Foreign Secretary of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Maldives this afternoon on an official visit. The Foreign Secretary was received on arrival at the Velaana International Airport, by the Foreign Secretary, His Excellency
Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed.

During the visit, Foreign Secretary Jaishankar is scheduled to call on His Excellency
Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim.  He is also expected to hold consultations with his counterpart, H.E. Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed.

Foreign Secretary Jaishankar was accompanied by Mr. Sanjay Panda, Joint Secretary (IOR) and Mr. M. Subbarayuda, Joint Secretary (DPA III).

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Signing of Exchange of Notes between the Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of Japan

30 March 2017, Male’;

The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of Japan, with a view to further developing friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, signed an exchange of notes today at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of Foreign Affairs and His Excellency Mr. Kazumi Endo, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Maldives, signed the Exchange of Notes on behalf of the two respective countries.

Under the terms of the Exchange of Notes   the Government   of Japan   shall extend   to   the   Government of Maldives, a grant of two hundred and fifty million Japanese Yen (¥ 250,000,000) for further promoting the economic and social development of the Maldives. This grant will be utilized to procure related equipment and materials for Counter-Terrorism and public Security of the Maldives. The equipment provided under this grant scheme will be selected by the Government of Maldives in consultation with the line agencies concerned.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the officials of the Embassy of Japan to the Maldives.

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Ambassador of Palestine calls on Foreign Minister

30 March 2017, Male’;

The Ambassador of Palestine to the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dato’ Dr. Anwar Al Agha, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim.

At the meeting held at the Foreign Ministry this morning, Minister Asim and Ambassador Al Agha exchanged ideas in enhancing cooperation between both countries and reflected on ways for strengthening the existing ties. Minister Asim also reiterated that the people and the Government of Maldives will continue to standby the people of Palestine and support the Palestine cause.

Foreign Minister Asim was accompanied by His Excellency Ms. Fathimath Inaya, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Abdul Waris Saeed, Director at the Ministry.

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‘Influenza situation in the Maldives is rapidly improving: Health Protection Agency

29 March 2017, Male’;

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) of the Maldives has stated that the ‘influenza situation in Male’ and across the country is seeing a tremendous improvement’.

During the initial stages of the outbreak, preventive measures were taken to control the spread of the flu, including advising children and those infected to limit from gathering in public spaces and promoting general hygiene practices. The HPA has noted the rapid improvement in the influenza situation is the result of the cooperation received from the genera public, government agencies, and private sector organisations in implementing the preventive and control measures.

The HPA said in its statement that it would continue to provide vaccines for the different categories of people that have been identified as the most-vulnerable to the influenza.

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