Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi on Friday discussed strengthening military relations between Maldives and Russia with her Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu on her ongoing visit to the country.
Minister Mariya recently visited the Russian Federation to take part in the 10th International meeting of High Rankling Officials Responsible For Security.
A statement released by the Russian Defence Ministry following the meeting between the two ministers said discussions on providing technical assistance to strengthen military relations between the two countries took place.
Russian Defence Ministry further said the meeting asserted the Maldivian government's keenness to strengthen bilateral relations between the countries and the government's desire to conduct political discussions between Russia and Maldives, especially in the defence sector.
Minister Shoygu invited Maldives to participate in next years' International Security Conference scheduled to be held next April in Moscow Russia. He also extended the invitation to participate in the upcoming International Military and Defence Technical Forum which will commence on Tuesday and last for five days. Maldives has also been given the chance to take part in Russian Army Games this August.
During the meeting, Defence Minister Mariya Didi noted the age-old friendship between both countries, and spoke on ways to further strengthen ties with Russia. The Minister specifically expressed interest in strengthening military relations, and discussed provision of equipment to further strengthen ties.
During her trip, Minister Mariya has also met with the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Nikolai Patrushev.
