Ambassador of Czech Republic to Maldives Milan Hovorka has applauded the diplomatic duties of Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid to represent Maldives in the global arena.
Speaking to PSM News after opening a permanent VFS Visa Application Centre at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hovorka praised the leadership Maldives is taking on the international platforms. He highlighted the example Maldives is setting in advocating climate change, human rights matters and challenges to development for small island nations.
Ambassador Hovorka particularly praised the role assumed by Minister Shahid in the international arena. In this regard, he stated the speech given by Minister Shahid at the European Union Policy Dialogue last year depicts his caliber and capacity as the foreign minister.
While the Czech ambassador applauded Shahid's efforts, the current administration has seen significant developments in its bilateral relationships in the global world. Minister Shahid met with over 80 foreign diplomats in 2019 to strengthen the relations Maldives have with various countries. The foreign minister is tasked with meeting foreign diplomats and dignitaries to develop relations and attain funding and get an international foothold to Maldives.
Since taking office in November 2018, Minister Shahid has travelled to various countries to meet diplomats on his trips abroad. The minister has received significant criticism due to his travel expenditure, which has exceeded USD 180,000. However, the trips of the minister have helped secure funds worth USD 207 million, assuring the public that his trips benefit the nation.
During the trips, Minister Shahid met with foreign diplomats and top government officials and discussed the policies of the current administration and has helped achieve significant progress and positive developments and strengthened ties of friendship and cooperation between countries.