Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has requested assistance from Malaysia in the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Maldives.
During a phone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Dato Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein, Minister Shahid spoke about the current situation of COVID-19 in Maldives and the measures taken by the government to control the outbreak. The minister noted the Maldivian economy is suffering major damages due to the pandemic, as the country is highly dependent on the revenue generated through tourism. Noting Maldives is in need of assistance from the international community, he requested medical assistance from Malaysia.
Speaking further, the foreign minister noted many Maldivians are residing in Malaysia and thanked the Malaysian government for the assistance provided to them following the declaration of a lockdown in the country. During the phone conversation, the two ministers spoke in length about extending joint cooperation in fighting COVID-19.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Shahid also had a phone conversation with the Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar, in which the foreign minister thanked India for the assistance provided to Maldives amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During the conversation, Minister Jaishankar assured India will continue to assist Maldives despite going into lockdown, noting the supply of staple food and medicine to Maldives will continue.
The foreign ministry has sought assistance from multiple countries in the efforts to overcome the situation of COVID-19 in Maldives. The ministry has also been monitoring the situation of Maldivians living abroad through the respective embassies, high commissions and consulates.