Kinepolis : Minister Shahid meets with several high level officials on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue

The Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Abdulla Shahid has today, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic His Excellency Tomáš Petříček and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia His Excellency Edgars Rinkēvičs on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. This is the first time that Minister Shahid has met with both Ministers.

In both meetings, Minister Shahid highlighted the keen interest of the Maldives to develop closer bilateral ties with the European Union, and the countries of the EU, including economic ties and people-to-people contact. In this regard, Minister Shahid reiterated the request to facilitate easier visa facilitation for Maldivians travelling from the Maldives.

During the day, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth called on the Minister as well.

In the meeting with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Minister Shahid thanked the Secretary General for the expeditious action on Maldives rejoining the Commonwealth and discussed procedures in going forward. On 23 December 2019, the Maldives was informed that no Member States have objected to the re-admission of the Maldives, and invited to submit a formal membership application.

Minister Shahid is in New Delhi, attending the 2020 edition of the Raisina Dialogue, where he will deliver a keynote address on 15 January 2020.

ENDS