The President of Maldives, His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met the President of Singapore Her Excellency Madam Halimah Yacob and the Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong today at the Istana, as part of President Solih's ongoing State Visit.
The leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation and expressed interest in further consolidating bilateral relations that have thrived for over four decades.
Both countries share many common challenges and cooperate on several issues. The discussions were focused on trade and commerce, security cooperation for sustained peace and prosperity, combating terrorism, and environment and climate change.
The leaders also expressed their mutual resolve to strengthen and diversify cooperation in international fora.
President Solih expressed gratitude on behalf of the government of Maldives for the generous announcement made by the Singaporean government to offer a two-year technical cooperation package in governance and sustainable development to the Maldives.
In addition, the Maldivian Government welcomes Singapore's decision to facilitate mutual study visits and knowledge sharing on areas of water and waste management, public housing and urban planning, which will immensely contribute to the Maldives' efforts to strengthen human resources and governance. The Maldives greatly values this continued assistance from the government of Singapore.
Further, both sides gave assurances to enhance cooperation on security problems of the trans-boundary nature.
The President of Maldives and the Prime Minister observed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs); an updated Air Services Agreement that will improve air connectivity, and an MOU on cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore to give further impetus to bilateral ties.
President Solih extended invitations to both the President and Prime Minister of Singapore to visit the Maldives at a mutually convenient date, and both dignitaries accepted to work on a mutual date for all parties.
