President Mohamed Nasheed today met with newly appointed the World Bank Country Director for the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Diarietoy Gaye.

Speaking at the meeting, held at the President’s Office, the President noted said the Maldives and the World Bank had a very good partnership, and especially highlighted the Bank’s technical assistance and advice during the transition period.

The President also expressed his appreciation for the role of former Country Director of the Bank Naoko Ishii.

Discussions at the meeting were focused on increasing the impact and the effectiveness of the World Bank funded projects in the Maldives.

The President informed the new Country Director on ongoing projects funded by the Bank and expressed willingness to continue with the projects.

He made request for a more substantial participation of the Bank with a more serious and focused role in the next SAARC Summit to be held in the Maldives.

The President also spoke on the issue of increase in global food prices and possible measures to reduce the impact of the increasing prices on the Maldives.

The President welcomed the new Country Director Diarietoy Gaye and expressed confidence of increasing collaboration between the Bank and the government under her tenure.