Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has said it is important for Maldives and Thailand to enter into a comprehensive visa waiver agreement to ease travel between the countries.
During a meeting held with Minister of Foreign Affairs Thailand Don Pramudwinai, as part of his official visit to the country, Foreign Minister Shahid said a comprehensive visa waiver agreement would promote medical tourism to Thailand and assist the Maldivians that travel to Thailand for medical purposes. Minister Shahid also discussed improving air connectivity between both countries as it would bolster the tourism industry noting that Bangkok Airways plans to increase flights to Maldives next year.
Minister Pramudwinai and Minister Shahid noted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries for mutually beneficial development goals. The recent investment of Singha Group was highlighted as a key project that would attract more Thai investments in Maldives. Furthermore, various aspects of the bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed in the meeting.
Minister Shahid conveyed greetings on 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and expressed gratitude for recent decision by the Government of Thailand for inclusion of Maldives in the Thai Visa Exemption Scheme for tourists.