President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan over strengthening bilateral relations between the Maldives and Pakistan.
During the conversation, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, which have continued to strengthen over the years on the basis of mutual respect and engagement as well as a shared Islamic faith. President Solih and Prime Minister Khan spoke positively regarding taking the bilateral partnership forward.
While discussing the COVID-19 pandemic, the two leaders apprised each other on their countries’ respective situations with regard to the disease. President Solih commended Pakistan’s effective response, while briefing him on the Maldives’ existing and projected case numbers, explaining the Maldives has had a recent spike in infections which health authorities have responded to with stricter measures.
Acknowledging the disease has severely impacted economies of countries, particularly those of vulnerable countries such as the Maldives, President Solih praised Prime Minister Khan’s leadership in calling for debt-relief through the G-20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative. He noted this will be of particular benefit to small and developing countries.
Ending the call, the two leaders wished each other well and expressed their mutual commitment towards strengthening relations between the Maldives and Pakistan. Pakistani PM Imran Khan expressed hope that the Maldives' vibrant tourist industry will soon recover from the challenges of Covid-19.