Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid has departed to Russia to meet with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, to sign an agreement to that grants 90-day on arrival for Maldivians visiting Russia.

This is the first time the foreign ministers of both Maldives and Russia would meet to discuss on strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Minister Shahid will hold discussions with Minister Lavrov on enhancing the long-standing relations between Maldives and Russia. During the visit, both ministers are also scheduled to sign an Agreement for the Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Nationals of Russia and Nationals of Maldives. The Agreement aims to enhance the greater exchange of people to people contact between the two countries and would provide 90 days on arrival visa for Maldivians travelling to Russia.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Maldivian Ambassador to Germany Ahmed Latheef, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shiuneen Rasheed and Desk Officer Mariyam Asif are accompanying the Foreign Minister on the visit.