SOUTHEND West MP Sir David Amess welcomed colleagues to the All-Party British-Maldives Parliamentary Group.

As group chairman, Sir David also welcomed Ahmed Shiaan, the ambassador of the Republic of Maldives, to the meeting.

Following the election of two new vice-chairmen, the group proceeded to discuss current affairs in the Maldives.

Ambassador Shiaan thanked those in attendance for their support.

He said that the Maldives was making impressive progress economically with major investment from foreign governments and that an additional 64,000 jobs are expected to be created as business continues to flourish.

In addition, health facilities continue to improve.