‘We’ll come out of it together’

The Maldives expressed deep gratitude to Bangladesh for supplying much-needed food and medical supplies to address the adverse impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic.

"Thank you PM Sheikh Hasina, FM @AKAbdulMomen, #Bangladesh Govt. & Navy for the generous & timely contribution towards our fight against COVID-19," said Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid in a tweet, after some 100 tonnes of food, medicine and medical supplies were handed over to the Maldives authorities yesterday.

"The Navy Ship in our harbour with food & medical supplies is testimony to the strong bond of brotherhood between our two countries."

"In our efforts to provide maximum protection against #covid19 and to provide appropriate healthcare, our hope is that it reach Maldivians, Bangladeshis or any other foreign national equally, with no discrimination. We are in this together and we will come out of it together!" Abdullah Shahid tweeted.

A Bangladesh Navy ship started on April 15 for the Maldives, carrying more than 100 tonnes of food, medicine and medical equipment as assistance.

It arrived in Male on Tuesday and the assistance was handed over yesterday.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives, Rear Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, handed over the supplies as a gift from Bangladesh to the Maldives authorities.

Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid, Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi and Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor were present at the handover ceremony in Male, among others.