First Deputy Prime Minister Dačić meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives

09. May 2023.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić had a meeting today with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdulla Shahid, who is paying his second official visit to the Republic of Serbia in six months.

In a very cordial conversation, Minister Dačić and Minister Shahid expressed their firm commitment for further comprehensive improvement of the overall relations and cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Maldives, two countries that are geographically distant but connected by a traditional friendship and major mutual goals based on the fundamental values of the Non-Alignment Movement.

Minister Shahid said he was particularly pleased to have an opportunity to once more, after a relatively short time, visit Belgrade, the birthplace of the Non-Alignment Movement, which he had first visited in 1989, when, as a young diplomat, he took part at the 9th Summit of the NAM.

The two Ministers both emphasised the importance of further strengthening dialogue at the high and highest levels, and discussed modalities for reinforcement of the cooperation in all fields with the potential for it, in particular economy, with a particular focus on the fact that Serbia and Maldives would be marking a great anniversary in two years - 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

In line with their consistent observance of the United Nations Charter and its fundamental principles, Maldives again reaffirmed their support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia. Minister Dačić highlighted the importance of the issue of climate change and addressing the challenges facing many countries, and especially island countries such as Maldives. An agreement was also reached on further intense multilateral cooperation. In this regard, Minister Dačić conveyed Serbia’s particular gratitude for the support Maldives had showed for Belgrade’s candidacy for hosting the Specialised World Exhibition EXPO 2027.  

Minister Dačić also conveyed the invitation of President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić to President of the Republic of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to visit the Republic of Serbia as soon as possible, thus providing a strong boost to the intensification of cooperation in all fields of mutual interest.

During Minister Shahid’s previous visit to Belgrade, in November 2022, the Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives was signed. Today, five more very important documents were signed, which will serve as a strong basis for and strongly contribute to further enhancement of cooperation in some of the key areas. The following documents were signed: the Agreement on trade, investment and economic cooperation, the Air Transport Agreement, the Agreement on abolishing visas for holders of diplomatic and official passports, the Memorandum of Understanding in sports, and the Memorandum of Cooperation in diplomatic education.