President Yameen sends messages of sympathy to leaders of Malaysia and Indonesia

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has sent messages of sympathy to Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, following the severe flooding that occurred in the northeast of Malaysia; and to President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, following the loss of Air Asia flight QZ8501 en route from Surabaya to Singapore.

In his message to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, President Yameen said, “I was deeply saddened to learn about the severe flooding that occurred in the northeast of Malaysia, causing the displacement of over 160,000 people. While it is fortunate that the death toll has remained low, we pray that those who have been affected by this disaster do not face further grief.

“At this time of tragedy, the Government and the people of the Maldives join me in sending our profound sympathy to you, the Government and people of Malaysia.”

In his message to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, President Yameen said, “The Government and the people of the Maldives and I are deeply concerned to learn about the loss of the Air Asia flight QZ8501 en route from Surabaya to Singapore, leaving all the passengers and crew, including 155 Indonesian nationals, missing. Along with commending the ongoing rescue effort, we pray that all those affected will receive news of comfort over the upcoming days.

“At this time of national grief and distress, the Government and the people of the Maldives and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Your Excellency, the Government and the brotherly people of Indonesia, and in particular, the families that were directly affected by this incident.”