Maldives and Kuwait have discussed areas the two countries could collaborate in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussions took place over a telephone conversation between Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In the light of the ongoing situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two foreign ministers discussed the pressing challenges faced during this time by both the Maldives and Kuwait. Minister Shahid applauded the proactive effort of the government and the health sector of Kuwait towards combatting the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its immediate and long-term effects.
As long-standing development partners, the ministers further explored areas in which the two countries could collaborate in order to minimise the social and economic implications of COVID-19. Minister Shahid thanked the Kuwaiti foreign minister and expressed the appreciation of the Maldives for the generous assistance and support that Kuwait continuously accorded to the Maldives.
Kuwait has been one of the most important development partners of the Maldives since the 1970s, providing financial support to critical infrastructure projects such as the development and expansion of Velana International Airport (VIA).