Maldivian President, Pakistani PM discuss coronavirus measures

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan held a telephonic conversation on Monday, during which the two leaders appraised each other of the coronavirus situation in their respective countries.

The two leaders spoke over the phone on Monday afternoon.

According to a statement released by the President’s Office, President Solih and PM Khan discussed the coronavirus pandemic and appraised each other of the situation of their respective countries with regard to the pandemic.

President Solih commended Pakistan’s response to the pandemic, and briefed PM Khan on the current and projected coronavirus numbers in Maldives.

He also spoke of current surge in coronavirus cases in Maldives, and the measures implemented by the health authorities to combat the surge.

He also spoke of the economic impact of the pandemic, especially on vulnerable countries such as Maldives, and praised PM Khan’s leadership in calling for debt relief through the G-20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

President Solih noted that the initiative will be of particular benefit to small and developing countries.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations between Maldives and Pakistan, spoke positively regarding taking the bilateral partnership forward.

Had a very engaging phone conversation with Pakistan’s PM @ImranKhanPTI this afternoon in which we updated each other on COVID 19 measures in our respective countries and also, how we could further enhance the already warm and fraternal relations between Maldives and Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/XDt0ViAX70

— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) August 10, 2020

Prior to ending the call, President Solih and PM Khan wished each other well and expressed their mutual commitment towards strengthening relations between the Maldives and Pakistan.

PM Khan also expressed hope that the Maldives' vibrant tourist industry will soon recover from the challenges of coronavirus pandemic.

Pakistan has recorded 284,660 confirmed coronavirus cases and 6,097 fatalities, while Maldives has recorded 5,041 confirmed coronavirus cases and 19 fatalities.