Maldives has pledged USD 200,000 to the SAARC Emergency Relief Fund formed as a regional relief package amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The pledge was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, who welcomed the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to create the Emergency Relief Fund and India's pledge of USD 10 million. Meanwhile, Nepal has pledged USD 835,657 and Bhutan has pledged USD 100,000 to the fund.
Indian Prime Minister Modi proposed to establish a SAARC Emergency Relief Fund in the fight against COVID-19 during a video conference with the leaders of SAARC countries on February 15. During the conference, the leaders discussed on establishing a regional relief package to overcome the economic crisis, which the COVID-19 pandemic may cause in addition to compiling a long-term recovery strategy.
During the conference, President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih highlighted the pandemic can be curbed with efforts from all countries alike.