Gov claims that Pres Solih visiting Qatar to watch the World Cup will strengthen relations

The government revealed that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was scheduled to leave for Qatar to watch a semifinal match of the World Cup, live.

The government Spokesperson Miuvaan Mohamed stated that the president was scheduled to leave for Qatar next Monday, and the visit is expected to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Many have criticized President Solih’s decision to travel to see a match while the government has acquired a loan of USD 100 million from India, as a means to settle its depleted national USD reserve. The government reasoned that the President will be purchasing his ticket out of pocket and not through state accounts.

However, the expenses of President Solih’s entourage; protocol officers, security personnel, photographers and others, will be borne by the state. The visit is estimated to cost the state MVR 2 million.

President Solih has previously traveled to India to watch a cricket match and it was financed by the state.