Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today met with Mrs Ruth Flint, the Ambassador of Switzerland and Ms Sophia Mcintyre, Australian Deputy High Commissioner.

At the two separate meetings held at the President’s Office, Vice President Dr Waheed briefed the diplomats in the challenges that the government was facing in the areas of development.
During his meeting with the Swiss Ambassador, Dr Waheed spoke on the government’s efforts to consolidate democracy and on the economic difficulties faced by the Maldives due to the global economic downturn.

Mrs Ruth said strengthening the ideals of democracy was very important for the further progress and prosperity of the people of the Maldives.

During the meeting with the Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Dr Waheed discussed areas of concern including education, environment and drugs issue. He also expressed confidence that the Maldives would receive Australian assistance in those areas.

Ms Sophia Mcintyre noted that close relations existed between Australia and the Maldives in educational field. Discussions were also held on other possible areas of cooperation between the Maldives and Australia.