Maldives Builds Closer Ties with Syria

Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Shaheed has completed an official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic from 7-9 June 2010 to foster bilateral relations between the two countries. It was the highest-level official visit ever made by the Maldives to Syria and both sides expressed their intent to significantly strengthen bilateral ties over the coming years and to work together to address a range of issues including the Middle East Peace Process, socio-economic development, religious tolerance, and cultural relations. 

During the two-day visit, Minister Dr. Shaheed personally delivered a letter from His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. President of the Republic of Maldives to His Excellency Dr. Bashar al-Assad President of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Minister and President Bashar al-Assad discussed areas of bilateral cooperation and identified issues of collaboration on international agenda, particularly the role Maldives can play in the Middle East peace process.

Minister Shaheed also had very fruitful exchanges with Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Walid al-Mouallem and Minister of Religious Affairs, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Abdul Sattar Alsayyd of the Syrian Arab Republic. At these meetings the two countries discussed areas for fostering bilateral cooperation in international issues of common concern, cultural and religious affairs.