President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has returned to the Maldives after an official visit to Qatar, where he offered condolences following the death of the country's former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
President Muizzu travelled to Doha to pay his respects to Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the royal family after the death of the former Emir last Sunday.
During the visit, Sheikh Tamim received the Maldivian president in an official audience. President Muizzu conveyed condolences on behalf of the Maldivian government and people. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the Maldives and Qatar.
The Maldivian government said the visit reflected the importance it places on its longstanding partnership with Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who served as Amir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was credited with supporting several key initiatives in the Maldives. These included facilitating the launch of Qatar Airways services to the country, supporting the establishment of the Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani School in Laamu Atoll, and contributing to the construction of the Sheikh Qasim bin Al Thani Mosque in Hulhumalé.
During his reign, Sheikh Hamad paid an official visit to the Maldives in 2005, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
The Maldives and Qatar established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1984. Over the past four decades, Qatar has been a significant partner in supporting the Maldives' development through investments, infrastructure projects and educational initiatives.