Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim has stated the best way of extending and strengthening bilateral relations between other foreign countries is by expanding consular assistance for Maldivians in those countries.
The administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has shown exemplary efforts in expanding and enhancing bilateral ties with other foreign countries, Foreign Minister Dr. Asim said speaking on a programme aired on PSM News. Briefing on the relations with other foreign countries, Minister Asim assured relations remained unaffected by the current plot churned out by the oppositional alliance to overthrow the lawfully elected government of Maldives.
The Foreign Minister noted foreign countries have full trust in the administration in solving the current political situation of Maldives. He highlighted Maldives has currently established diplomatic relations with 164 countries and has a total of 15 missions established worldwide.
Continuing on, Minister Asim noted the upgradation of Maldives from least-developed status has seen the termination of various grant aids, However, the Minister emphasised the administration aims to become a self-sufficient and a self-dependent country.
The Maldivian Foreign Minister also highlighted the foreign policy implemented by the administration in 2014 targets economic development and commercial diplomacy. In this regard, Minister Asim revealed the current administration is keen to develop diplomatic relations with countries which would provide concessional loans.
In addition, the Minister noted the best way of extending and strengthening the bilateral relations with other foreign countries is by expanding consular assistance for Maldivians in those countries. On this note, Minister Asim affirmed the commitment of the administration to enhance people to people contact between Maldives and other foreign countries.
On the programme, Minister Asim was joined by Secretary Bilateral Ahmed Khaleel and Ambassador of Maldives to Germany Jameela Ali.