Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim has returned to Male’ after concluding a three-day official visit to Indonesia.
During the visit, Minister Asim held bilateral discussions with his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi and reviewed the scope of bilateral relations between the two countries. In particular, the two Ministers agreed to collaborate closely on several areas including climate change, tourism,fisheries, connectivity and technical cooperation. The Ministers also agreed to explore avenues to increase people-to-people contact and expand cooperation to strengthen commercial and trade ties. The two Ministers also agreed to coordinate closely in international fora, especially at the United Nations, on issues of mutual interest.
Minister Asim also met with other key Indonesian Government officials including the Minister for Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Susi Pudjiaastuti, and the Minister for Tourism Arief Yahya.
The Maldives and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1974. Both countries are world renowned tourist destinations. A large number of Indonesians are currently working in the Maldivian tourism sector. Trade and commercial relations between the two countries have grown steadily over the years.
Minister Asim was accompanied by Ahmed Khaleel, Secretary, Bilateral and Ahmed Suzil, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.