The Maldives and Rwanda have signed a number of key agreements between the two countries, with a view to further enhance and fortify bilateral cooperation.
The agreements were signed at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel signed the agreements on behalf of the Government of the Maldives and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda Vincent Biruta signed the agreements on behalf of the Government of Rwanda.
The five agreements were the General Cooperation Agreement, the Air Services Agreement, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the Field of Tourism Development and Promotion and Business Events, the MoU on Cooperation in Maritime Transport, and the MoU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda and the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture of the Maldives.
The foreign ministry stated that the conclusion of the agreements demonstrates a pivotal point of progress in the bilateral relationship between the two countries and will further enhance cooperation and coordination between the two countries on bilateral and multilateral issues.
Furthermore, during the meeting, State Minister Khaleel and Minister Biruta reflected on the increased level of cooperation between the Maldives and Rwanda in recent years and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the close bond. During the discussions, both parties also discussed avenues for further strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties between the two countries in a wide range of areas of mutual importance including trade, agriculture, maritime transport, tourism, and people-to-people contact, through enhanced air service linkages between the two countries.
State Minister Khaleel is on an official visit to Kigali, Rwanda to attend the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) held from June 20-23 before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Rwanda in 2019.