President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to Estonia has demonstrated Estonia’s desire to further strengthen relations with the Maldives, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel has stated. Minister Khaleel made the statement in an interview given to PSM News from Estonia.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu undertook an official visit to Estonia at the invitation of the country’s President, Dr Alar Karis, marking the first-ever visit to Estonia by a Maldivian President. During the visit, the President engaged in significant discussions with Estonian officials on key areas of collaboration. He is set to conclude the visit and return to the Maldives on 17 January.
As the visit comes to a close, the Foreign Minister spoke on the visit and highlighted the Maldives’s ongoing efforts to foster relations with various countries, especially countries that can contribute to the nation’s development. He noted that relations with Estonia have also been further strengthened, describing the country as one that can support and assist the Maldives in key areas.
Recalling President Muizzu’s pledge to ensure that 15 percent of the Maldives’ GDP is attributed to digital economy, the Minister said the Maldives has received assurance of Estonia’s support to develop the Maldives’ digital framework. While Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, Minister Khaleel noted that 100 percent of the Estonian government’s services are provided digitally, adding that adopting similar methods could significantly benefit the Maldivian economy.
Minister Khaleel also acknowledged similarities between Maldives and Estonia, noting that both countries are relatively small and share common principles of safeguarding independence and sovereignty. The visit to Estonia has proved that there are numerous opportunities for both countries for cooperation and collaboration, he noted.
The Minister expressed confidence that the discussions undertaken during the visit will greatly benefit the Maldives in growing its digital economy. He also acknowledged the warm welcome extended to President Muizzu and his delegation by the Estonian government and reiterated that Estonia has expressed interest in further enhancing the bond between both countries.