Maldives has explored cooperation with Kuwait on enhancing the island nation’s religious affairs and Islamic education.
During the ongoing official visit to Kuwait, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel met with the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of Kuwait Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed Al Wasmi.
Both Ministers discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in religious affairs and Islamic education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Minister Dr Khaleel is undertaking this official visit on the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.
During the visit, he had held discussions with Kuwait’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring new opportunities for partnership.
The Minister had also met his Kuwaiti counterpart, where the two Ministers engaged in extensive discussions on advancing the Maldives-Kuwait relationship, marking 48 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Ministry had said.
The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bilateral cooperation in key areas including tourism, trade and investment, renewable energy, Health, aviation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Later on Wednesday, Minister Dr Khaleel had briefed the Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment of Kuwait, Dr Noura Suleiman Salem Al-Fassam on the current fiscal situation and highlighted the positive trajectory of economic developments.
Kuwait has been an invaluable development partner for the Maldives, providing generous support and assistance over the years, most notably through the (Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development) for the expansion of Velana International Airport, and assistance provided for the Small Island Hospital Development Project through loan facility, granted in 2024.