Maldives requests assistance of Russia to combat pandemic virus

Maldives has formally requested the assistance of Russia to overcome the situation with COVID-19 in the country.

The request was made in a phone call by Foreign Minister of Maldives made to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. The two discussed the financial and economic challenges posed to both countries due to the pandemic virus and on collaborative action to resolve and address these challenges.

During the phone call, Minister Shahid requested the assistance of Russia to mitigate the economic impact caused to the Maldives due to the virus. The country is expected to be the worst-hit nation economically in the region due to the virus.

A pleasure to speak with FM of Russia Mr. Sergey Lavrov on the phone to discuss cooperation between the #Maldives and #Russia to counter #covid19 especially to overcome the economic and financial impacts of the pandemic, and welfare of Maldivian students in Russia. @mfa_russia pic.twitter.com/bljzX5SOto

— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) April 27, 2020

The Maldives is a country heavily dependent on imports and the tourism industry, both of which have suffered significant setbacks due to the pandemic. The tourism industry of the country, which dominates the economy, is at a complete standstill as resorts in the country wind up operations due to a lack of tourists.

The Maldives imposed stringent measures to combat the virus including the halting of issuing on-arrival visas to tourists. Russia is a market where a large number of tourists visit the Maldives every year.

Measures taken by the government although effective, have not stopped a community spread of the virus in the Maldives. Currently, Maldives has 226 virus cases, with the majority originating from the capital, with a particular hike in infections among the migrant population.

The Maldives has appealed to the international community for assistance to address the situation with the virus, and Foreign Minister Shahid has held similar discussions with South Korea as well regarding the topic. It is also being assisted by regional countries and close partners such as India and Bangladesh as well.