President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Madam Fathimath Ibrahim have departed to the United Arab Emirates this morning on an official visit, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
During the three day visit, the President will hold talks with top government officials of UAE to deliberate on a number of matters of mutual interest for the Maldives and UAE. Four agreements are to be signed in the areas of investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, visa waiver on diplomatic and official visas, as well as the development of Velana International Airport.
The Maldives and UAE have a long history of bilateral ties, based on friendship, common understanding and mutual benefits for the progress and prosperity of both countries and peoples. 15 March 2018 will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The President and the First Lady are accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Asim, the Minister of Economic Development, H.E. Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Environment and Energy, H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of State for Foreign Relations at the President’s Office, H.E. Mohamed Naseer and the Minister of State for Economic Relations at the President’s Office, H.E. Mohamed Luveiz.
