Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdullah Rafiu has held discussions with the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and to the Maldives Jean-François Pactet, to train Maldivian players and athletes under the long run plan to develop the sports field. The meeting was held on May 6, in the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation.
During the discussion, the Ambassador expressed his opinions on how France can assist the Maldives to develop the sports industry and train athletes in France. The meeting was concluded with the French Ambassador invited Minister Rafiu to the Olympic Games to be held in France and the 11th Commonwealth Ministers Meeting. On this stance, the Ambassador highlighted various sports policies and suggested seeking the assistance of the Commonwealth to resolve significant issues. The 11th Commonwealth Ministers Meeting is scheduled to be held on July 24 and 25.
While discussions were held with the French Ambassador to train athletes, Minister Rafiu announced a bilateral agreement with Malaysia aimed at enhancing sports development in the Maldives. Furthermore, the minister revealed that efforts are underway to hold discussions with additional two countries; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).