Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has departed to Russia to meet with his counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov. This is the first time the foreign ministers would meet to discuss on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
During the visit, Minister Shahid will hold discussions with Minister Lavrov on enhancing the long standing relations between Maldives and Russia. Both ministers are also scheduled to sign an Agreement for the Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Nationals of Russia and Nationals of Maldives.
The agreement aims to enhance greater exchange of people to people contact between the two countries and would provide 90 days on arrival visa for Maldivians travelling to Russia.