Maldivian VP: UAE is an invaluable development partner

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been an invaluable development partner to Maldives, states the Maldivian Vice President Faisal Naseem.

He made the remark in a meeting with the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Fujairah, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi on Wednesday, on the sidelines on his official visit to Dubai to attend the 2023 World Government Summit.

At the meeting, Faisal praised the UAE's leadership for its foresight and for successfully hosting the world government summit for a decade, which he said has helped shape the world's future.

The summit was held from February 13-15, at the Madinat Jumeirah.

Highlighting on the existing bilateral relations between the Maldives and the UAE, Faisal said that the close brotherly relations between the two countries are rooted in Islamic, cultural, and historical links and shared values.

He said that the UAE has been an invaluable development partner to the Maldives and has provided generous support and assistance to the Maldives over the years.

The Vice President and the Crown Prince also discussed areas of mutual interest for further cooperation, including development cooperation, trade and investment, tourism, increasing people-to-people connectivity, and international cooperation.

The Vice President expressed hope that the Maldives and UAE's close partnership will continue to prosper and flourish for the mutual benefit of their people.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.