President Solih meets with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih hs met with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. 

The pair met in Qatar, following an official visit by the Maldivian president to Qatar. President Solih was joined by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Transport Minister Aishath Nahula as well as senior officials of the President's Office.

President Solih departed to Qatar last night, and the President's Office stated last night that the trip was part of strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations following the reestablishment of diplomatic ties.

President @ibusolih meets the Amir of #Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, discusses ways of strengthening the bilateral bond between the two countries pic.twitter.com/yWsOOv3TvW

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) March 15, 2021

After meeting with His Highness Sheikh Thamim, the president discussed ways of strengthening the bilateral bonds of the two nations, according to the President's Office. Discussions ranged from business and economic ties as well as investment opportunities.

President Solih and Sheikh Thamim also spoke regarding the impact of COVID-19 on both nations and the importance of diversifying the economy and decentralization as well as sustainable development. 

The President also informed Sheikh Thamim that he was considering appointing a non-resident coordinator from the Maldives to Qatar to strengthen bilateral relations.

Maldives severed diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017 in the previous administration of President Abdulla Yameen. Ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia had been affected negatively and sanctions were imposed on Qatar when the Maldives cut ties. The former administration had strong relations with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has since retracted the sanctions and resumed diplomatic ties with Qatar.

President Solih's visit to Qatar will be followed by an official state visit to Bangladesh as well before returning to the Maldives on March 20.