PM Imran shares Pakistan’s success against COVID-19 with Maldivian president

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PM Imran Khan (L) "commended the efforts made by Maldives to contain the spread of the pandemic and efforts to revive the economy, including the tourism sector" in phone call with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (R). REUTERS/Caren Firouz and Ashwa Faheem/Files

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan in a telephonic conversation apprised Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of his government's policy of smart lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic and lauded the island nation's move to reopen tourism industry, according to a PM Office statement.

The two leaders exchanged thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing situation, an update from the PM Office on Twitter read, adding that the premier "commended the efforts made by Maldives to contain the spread of the pandemic and efforts to revive the economy, including the tourism sector".

PM Imran apprised the Maldivian leader of the steps taken by Pakistan to contain the pandemic "with a focus on saving lives, securing livelihoods, and stimulating the economy".

"The Prime Minister added that the ‘smart lockdown’ strategy had worked successfully and that major sectors of the economy were being gradually opened up.

"The Prime Minister also apprised the President about his 'Global Initiative on Debt Relief' for developing countries to mitigate the severe socio-economic impacts of the pandemic," the PM Office added.

Invitation to visit Pakistan extended to Solih

The prime minister also spoke of Pakistan’s perspective on and the importance of peace and security situation in South Asia for the region's nations to realise their true economic potential.

He also reaffirmed the country's "desire to work with Maldives to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and in the region".

The premier again extended an invitation to Solih to visit Pakistan and stated that he looked forward to welcoming him at the earliest convenience.

Pakistan, he added, accorded high importance to its fraternal ties with Maldives — a fellow member state of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) — and was committed to further strengthening them in all fields.