Foreign Minister returns to Male’ after concluding a successful official visit to Indonesia

Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim has returned to Male’ after concluding a three-day official visit to Indonesia.

During the visit, Minister Asim held bilateral discussions with his Indonesian counterpart, Her Excellency Ms. Retno Marsudi and reviewed the scope of bilateral relations between the two countries. In particular, the two Ministers agreed to collaborate closely on several areas including climate change, tourism, fisheries, connectivity and technical cooperation. The Ministers also agreed to explore avenues to increase people-to-people contact and expand cooperation to strengthen commercial and trade ties. Further, the two Ministers agreed to coordinate closely in international fora, especially at the United Nations, on issues of mutual interest.

Minister Asim also met with other key Indonesian Government officials including the Minister for Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Her Excellency Ms. Susi Pudjiaastuti, and the Minister for Tourism, His Excellency Mr. Arief Yahya, and held discussions during the visit.

The Maldives and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1974. Both countries are world renowned tourism destinations. A large number of Indonesians are currently working in the tourism sector of the Maldives. Trade and commercial relations between the two countries have grown steadily over the years.

Minister Asim was accompanied by H.E Ahmed Khaleel, Secretary, Bilateral and Mr. Ahmed Suzil, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.