COVID-19: Govt seeks assistance from South Korea

The government has sought assistance from South Korea in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Minister Abdulla Shahid had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Her Excellency Kang Kyung-wha, on Wednesday morning.

During the telephone conversation, Minister Shahid briefed Minister Kang on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives and the measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus. Minister Shahid highlighted the impact on the economy of the Maldives, noting that the Maldives as a small island developing state is highly dependent on tourism and imports.

Minister Shahid also briefed Minister Kang on the Maldivian health sector's ability to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and requested assistance from the Korean Government for urgent needs.

Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the Government of Korea for the support and assistance provided to the Maldives over the years.

Both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and collaboration in advancing interests on areas of mutual concern, both bilaterally and internationally.