Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has expressed confidence in stronger bilateral relations with Bahrain, after concluding his official visit to the country.
Concluding his four-day trip to Bahrain, Foreign Minister Zameer stated that it was an honour to be given the opportunity to meet with Bahrain's Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as the Prime Minister. The minister revealed that discussions were held with the prime minister of Bahrain, and several other high-profile dignitaries, which will fortify the existing ties between the two countries.
During the meeting with Bahrain's prime minister, Minister Zameer presented a letter from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, addressed to the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Thanking the leadership and the government of Bahrain for the closeness accorded to the Maldives throughout the past few decades, the minister and Bahrain's prime minister discussed ways to deepen existing bilateral ties between both countries. They also deliberated on international issues of mutual interest such as the global economic situation, climate change and environment.
In his official visit, Minister Zameer met with his counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bahrain Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. The two ministers reflected on the long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bahrain, that is rooted in the two countries’ common Islamic heritage, shared values and principles. The discussions focused on strengthening the existing bilateral partnership between the two countries and prospects for enhancing economic cooperation. The two ministers also discussed the possibility of holding the first round of bilateral political consultations between the Maldives and Bahrain at a time of mutual convenience. They shared their commitment to explore new avenues of cooperation between the two nations.
Furthermore, Minister Zameer also met with Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. The discussions held between the ministers pertained to enhancing economic cooperation including investment promotion, trade and tourism between the two countries. The ministers also discussed the government’s fiscal and development policies and prospects for cooperation with Bahrain in the Maldives’ development journey. Minister Zameer further gave a brief overview on the economic and investment opportunities available in the Maldives.
Meanwhile, the meeting held with Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Tourism and Exhibitions Authority of Bahrain Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, centred on enhancing the cooperation in the tourism sector. Minister Zameer disclosed that Minister Fatima Al Saraifi commended the resilience of the tourism sector of the Maldives. The two ministers deliberated on the prospects for cooperation between the two nations, and also examined investment prospects in the Maldives.
Additionally, Minister Zameer met with the senior officials of the Bahrain Economic Development Board. At the meeting, the minister and members of the board exchanged their views and opinions on B2B engagements and prospects for economic diversification. The minister also briefed the members on the investment opportunities available in the Maldives.
Before concluding his visit, Minister Zameer also met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maitham Abdulla and senior members of Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco). Batelco is the leading-integrated communications' provider in Bahrain. Speaking at the meeting, the minister extended his sincere appreciation to Batelco, for the pivotal role they play in enhancing connectivity across the Maldives. Their discussions also pertained to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of telecommunication, enhance connectivity and improve cybersecurity.
Minister Zameer, undertook his official visit to Bahrain on the invitation of Bahrain's foreign minister. He was accompanied by the Ambassador-at-Large Ahmed Naseer, Secretary Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed, Joint Secretary Mariyam Reesha and Assistant Director Mizna Waheed.