Vice President Faisal Naseem has emphasised the success of the administration’s foreign policy and stated that it had been a high priority of the administration to enhance international acceptance of the foreign policy of the Maldives. He made the remarks at a function held at N.D. Abdulla Abdul Hakeem Ophthalmology Centre to mark the ongoing skills and service enhancement work under the China-Maldives Ophthalmology Centre Assistance and Cooperation Programme.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Naseem recalled that the Maldives was not in a favourable position regarding foreign relations when President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took office four years ago. He stated that the administration had made exceptional progress in its engagements with the international community, describing the levels of achievements in such a short time as unprecedented in recent memory.
Additionally, Vice President Naseem noted that the centralisation of healthcare to the capital Malé City by previous administrations had posed numerous severe challenges. Speaking on the administration’s decentralisation efforts, he said that the administration pledged to eliminate the need for travel to the capital city to seek medical assistance. He highlighted the administration’s ambitious efforts towards realising the goal of developing regional tertiary hospitals.
Furthermore, Vice President Naseem highlighted efforts by the administration to provide education and training opportunities for healthcare professionals and reiterated that the administration plans to raise the salaries and allowances of healthcare professionals starting on May 1.
In conclusion, Vice President Naseem highlighted the assistance and cooperation provided by the government of China through the China-Maldives Ophthalmology Centre Assistance and Cooperation Programme. He also expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its assistance and cooperation and his confidence in strengthening China-Maldives relations over the years.