Minister Shahid concludes his visit to London

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid concludes his official visit to London from 26 to 29 January 2019.

During the visit, Minster Shahid held fruitful discussions with officials of the Government of United Kingdom. Today, Minister Shahid met with Minister of State for Commonwealth and UN at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Lord Ahmed of Wimbledon and Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Rt Hon Mark Field. The Ministers discussed ways of further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Minister Shahid conveyed the government’s decision to upgrade the Maldives mission in London by deputing a resident Ambassador and expressed sincere appreciation of the Government of Maldives for the UK Government’s decision in opening a British Embassy in the Maldives.

Minister Shahid also addressed the 29th Governing Council Meeting of Community of Democracies. In his statement Minister mentioned the struggle of Maldives in attaining democracy. He also highlighted on the wish of Maldivian people to rejoin the Commonwealth.

On 28 January 2019, Minister Shahid met with Rt. Hon. George Hollingbery, Minister of State for Trade Policy of UK. Both Ministers discussed ways of further strengthening the trade ties between the two countries. Minister Shahid also held talks with Members of Parliament, Helen Grant, Rt.Hon. Sir Hugo Swire and Sir David Amess, the Chair of the APPG. During the meeting, Minister Shahid exchanged views of further strengthening the bilateral ties between the Maldives and the United Kingdom.

Earlier, Minister Shahid had met with the Secretary General of Commonwealth Baroness Patricia Scotland, where he expressed his wish for the rejoining process of Maldives to the Commonwealth to be expedited.

Minister Shahid departed London this evening and was accompanied by H.E Mr. Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives.