Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim has concluded his first official visit to Lebanon.
During the visit, the Maldivian Foreign Minister met with several dignitaries in Lebanon and discussed close cooperation between both countries on areas of mutual interest. During the visit, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim called on the Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri. During the meeting, Prime Minister Hariri and the Foreign Minister Asim discussed on bilateral areas of cooperation between the Maldives and Lebanon.
Minister Asim briefed the Prime Minister on the rapid economic development strides Maldives has achieved under the initiative of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and in this regard, mentioned that the Maldives would welcome potential investments from Lebanon. Minister Asim also informed the advocacy role Maldives plays as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), in addressing climate change impacts on small island states like the Maldives. Prime Minister Hariri and Minister Asim pledged their commitment to work closely both in bilateral and multilateral arena.
Moreover, Minister Asim paid a courtesy call on President of the Lebanon Parliament Nabih Berri. Minister Asim also called on his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil during his visit to the country and reaffirmed the close friendly relations between the Maldives and Lebanon and explored various areas of cooperation between both countries.
The Maldivian Foreign Minister also met with the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Lebanon Mohamed Choucair. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of expanding cooperation between chambers of both countries.
In addition, Minister Asim visited the Office of the Honorary Consulate General of the Maldives in Lebanon. He also visited the American University of Beirut. During the visit to the University, Foreign Minister Asim met with the Vice President for Advancement and Associate VP for Development and Alumni relations.
The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Lebanon on the February 25, 1988.