The Maldives and the OPEC Fund for International Development have signed a new Country Partnership Framework to strengthen cooperation on national development priorities.

The framework was signed in Vienna during an official visit by Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer. It focuses on climate resilience, infrastructure development and fiscal sustainability, and sets out a structured approach for future financing and technical assistance.

According to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the partnership will prioritise public infrastructure projects across the islands, particularly in the outer atolls. Key areas include renewable energy, transport connectivity, water and sanitation, and other essential public services.

Minister Zameer said long-term and affordable financing is vital for Small Island Developing States facing growing climate and economic pressures. He noted that strong partnerships help improve resilience, support local economies and enhance service delivery.

The OPEC Fund has supported the Maldives for decades, providing more than US$440 million since 1977 through loans, grants and trade finance for projects in sectors such as transport, fisheries, health and education.

The ministry said the new framework will guide future cooperation and support the Maldives’ efforts to achieve sustainable growth and address long-term development challenges.