In a strategic diplomatic push marking the Maldives’ 60th anniversary of independence, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conducted a series of high-level bilateral meetings with senior officials from Japan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the OPEC Fund for International Development, signaling the nation’s commitment to robust international collaboration.
The diplomatic engagements, held at the President’s Office, underscored the Maldives’ proactive approach to international development partnerships and coincided with the inauguration of the new international terminal at Velana International Airport.
During a pivotal meeting with Her Excellency Ikuina Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, discussions centered on deepening bilateral relations. The two nations reflected on over five decades of cooperation, with a particular focus on critical areas such as disaster resilience, economic development, and capacity-building.
Mr. Waleed Shamlan Al-Bahar from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development participated in discussions targeting strategic sector collaborations. The talks emphasized potential joint initiatives in healthcare, renewable energy, and fisheries, with President Muizzu expressing appreciation for the Fund’s sustained support of Maldivian infrastructure development.
A subsequent meeting with Mr. Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, highlighted the critical financial support provided for the newly inaugurated airport terminal. Conversations expanded to explore future collaborative opportunities in housing, health, and fisheries sectors.
The diplomatic series concluded with President Muizzu’s engagement with Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development. Their discussion emphasized ongoing and prospective development partnerships, with a strategic focus on climate adaptation, water and sanitation infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and broader economic development initiatives.
These comprehensive diplomatic interactions represent a calculated effort by the Maldivian government to diversify and strengthen international partnerships. By engaging multiple global development institutions simultaneously, the nation is positioning itself to secure critical resources and expertise during a period of significant infrastructure expansion and ambitious economic transformation.
