Maldives and UAE Officials Hold Talks on Abu Dhabi Fund Support

Government officials from the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) engaged in discussions aimed at potential funding for various projects in the Maldives through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

The talks occurred during a meeting between Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund, and Moosa Zameer, the Foreign Minister of the Maldives, who is presently undertaking an official visit to the UAE.

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In a statement issued by Minister Zameer, he described the discussions as productive, stating, “Conveyed appreciation for the generous support and assistance provided by the Government of UAE to the Maldives and discussed further cooperation with the Fund.”

A press release from the Foreign Ministry provided additional insight, indicating that Minister Zameer expressed particular gratitude for the UAE’s support towards the expansion of Velana International Airport. He underscored that this expansion would enhance connectivity, potentially leading to a surge in tourist arrivals and bolstering the Maldivian economy’s resilience.

Minister Zameer also emphasised the progress of the Maafaru International Airport project, including its expansion, and highlighted the prospects for increased investment cooperation resulting from these developments.

Accompanying Minister Zameer during the meeting were Shiruzimath Sameer, Additional Secretary of the Ministry; Hassan Waheed, Deputy Ambassador of the Maldives Embassy in Abu Dhabi; and Moomina Ibrahim, Counsellor of the Maldives Embassy in Abu Dhabi.