His Majesty King Hamad has affirmed Bahrain’s keenness to extend bridges of co-operation and strengthen friendship ties with Maldives to achieve shared aspirations.
The King made the statement during a meeting with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and his accompanying delegation, at Gudaibiya Palace.
He expressed hope that President Solih’s visit would enhance strong ties between the two countries and open up new horizons of co-operation.
The two leaders reviewed solid relations and opportunities for co-operation, especially in economic, commercial, investment, tourism and cultural fields, as well as future prospects for strengthening them further.
The Maldivian President expressed thanks and appreciation to the King for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him, expressing delight at visiting Bahrain and meeting His Majesty.
The King and President Solih attended the signing of the following agreements between the two countries:
1. An MoU for political consultations between the foreign ministries of Bahrain and Maldives.
Signed by Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani and his Maldivian counterpart Dr Abdulla Shahid, the agreement aims to strengthen friendly relations and co-operation, in addition to exchanging views at various levels on issues related to bilateral ties.
2. An MoU on diplomatic training and information exchange between the Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies in Bahrain and the Institute of the Foreign Ministry of Maldives.
It aims to establish and develop co-operation to train diplomats and exchange information on international law, diplomatic law and other academic disciplines related to the practice of international relations.
3. An MoU on climate change between the governments of Bahrain and Maldives.
Signed by Sustainable Development Minister Noor Al Khulaif and Dr Shahid, it aims to enhance co-operation on environmental issues, particularly on adaptation to climate change, and to recognise similar threats posed by climate change to both countries as developing small island states.
4. An MoU on co-operation in youth and sports development.
Signed by Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Ayman Almoayyed, and Maldives’ Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Minister Ahmed Mahloof, the accord aims to strengthen and develop ties in youth and sports development, while adhering to national legislation and general systems applied in both countries.
Industry and Commerce Minister Zayed Alzayani handed over a certificate to the Maldives delegation, declaring the country a partner to the Bahrain Global Sea-to-Air Logistics Hub. The Foreign Minister also handed over a certificate granting Maldives the right of sovereignty over information of its subscribers in the cloud computing centres located in Bahrain.
His Majesty and the Maldivian President praised the signing of the MoUs.
The King later hosted a lunch banquet in honour of President Solih and his accompanying delegation.
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