News
The Administration is actively seeking a solution to reduce tariffs levied on fish exports to Türkiye, says the President
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Administration is actively seeking a solution for reducing tariffs levied on fish exports to the Republic of Türkiye. The President made the remarks at the media briefing held upon his arrival at Velana International Airport (VIA) today, after concluding his official visits to the Republic of Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.
Describing momentous highlights of his visit to Türkiye, President Dr Muizzu noted that a key agreement was signed between the two nations on increasing trade and commerce in the Maldives. Furthermore, the President highlighted that the volume of trade activity between the Maldives and Türkiye would increase by twofold within the year.
Elaborating on the discussions held with Türkiye, the President noted that officials are actively working towards granting an exception to the Maldives to reduce the high tariff rate currently levied on fish products exported from the country.
Emphasizing the significance of the economic agreement signed during his visit, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the enhancement of trade relations, as stipulated in the agreement, is already underway. With the assurance received from Turkish authorities to facilitate investments, the President expressed optimism in attracting an increased influx of Turkish investments into the Maldives, particularly in sectors such as tourism.
The President Delivers National Statement at COP28; declares the government’s commitment to developing renewable energy systems capable of providing 33% of the nation’s electrical needs
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu declared the government’s commitment to developing renewable energy systems capable of providing 33% of the nation’s electrical needs within the next five years. He also noted that the current figure stands at 4%, and that Maldives aspires to generate a minimum of 600 million dollars to achieve the future goal, calling for the world’s support in this endeavour.
The President made these remarks while delivering the Maldives’ National Statement at the High-Level Segment of the Twenty-Eighth Session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Addressing world leaders, the President of the Maldives outlined the Maldives’ expectations for COP28, emphasizing the importance of the Global Stocktake committing to a strategy that corrects the course towards a 1.5-degree trajectory in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Along with recognizing the need to bridge the climate funding gap and emphasizing that it must be founded on equity and the best available science, the President also highlighted the need for improved accessibility and revised assessment criteria.
The President further welcomed the decision taken yesterday to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund.
Foreign Minister Shahid meets with the Foreign Minister of the UAE
Foreign Minister His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, the Special Envoy of President His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan. At the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UAE, Minister Shahid handed over a letter from President Solih addressed to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and conveyed greetings and well wishes from President Solih to the leadership and the Emirati people. During the meeting, the Ministers conversed on ways to further strengthen and diversify the long-standing relations between the Maldives and UAE. Minister Shahid reiterated appreciation for the generous support and assistance provided to the Maldives through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and people of the Maldives for the invaluable contributions made by UAE towards the socio-economic development of the Maldives, over the years. The two Foreign Ministers expressed their renewed commitment to working together on issues of mutual interest, both bilaterally and in the international fora. Foreign Minister Shahid was accompanied at the meeting by the Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the United Arab Emirates, Her Excellency Aminath Shabeena, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Salman Zaki, and Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in the United Arab Emirates, Fathimath Urooj Nizar.
State Minister Ahmed Khaleel attends the 22nd IORA Meeting of the Council of Ministers
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs His Excellency Ahmed Khaleel today participated in the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The meeting held under the theme “Harnessing the opportunities of the Indian Ocean sustainably for inclusive development” was hosted by the current Chair of IORA, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
The meeting brought together Ministers from the 23 Member States of IORA in which they reiterated their commitment to “supporting IORA to play a significant role in promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the Indian Ocean through constructive dialogue and concerted efforts as well as to address challenges and key issues in collaboration with Dialogue Partners”. The Dhaka Communiqué was adopted at the end of the meeting.
In his statement to the Council of Ministers, State Minister Khaleel drew attention to the risks and exposure that Small Island Developing States face due to the effects of climate change. He also called upon Member States to share experiences and technologies, pass knowledge and to work together to protect the environment of the Indian Ocean.
State Minister Khaleel further noted the firm commitment of the Maldives to the common principles enshrined in the IORA Charter and called on Member States to revive the true spirit of regional cooperation.
State Minister Ahmed Khaleel was accompanied by Her Excellency Shiruzimath Sameer, High Commissioner of Maldives to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Ms. Mariyam Reesha, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Ali Firushan, Deputy Desk Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
IORA is a leading inter-governmental organization formed in 1997 to enhance regional and socio-economic cooperation and development among the Indian Ocean Region countries. The Maldives formally joined IORA on 8 November 2019, as its 22nd Member State. The 22nd Council of Ministers meeting was preceded by the 24th Committee of Senior Officials meeting that took place in Dhaka from 22-23 November 2022.
Foreign Secretary meets with Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP
Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef, met with the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Under-Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, today. The Executive Secretary of ESCAP currently undertaking a visit to the Maldives from 29 – 31 October 2022.
During the meeting held this morning, the Foreign Secretary welcomed the Executive Secretary to the Maldives and noted that this visit would tremendously help efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals in the Maldives.
He expressed his appreciation to the Executive Secretary for co-organizing an event on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Role of the Parliament with the Government of Maldives, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Maldives, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU). The event aims to offer parliamentarians in the Maldives an overview of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs and the challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and the Maldives, the role of the parliament in advancing the SDGs.
Foreign Secretary was accompanied by the Permanent Representative of Maldives to UN-ESCAP Huda Shareef, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Department) Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, and Assistant Director (Multilateral Department) Fathimath Zeyna Abdulla Saeed.
ESCAP is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia and the Pacific. The ESCAP Secretariat supports inclusive, resilient and sustainable development in the region by generating action-oriented knowledge, and by providing technical assistance and capacity building services in support of national development objectives, regional agreements, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ESCAP also provides support to partners at the national level.
The Maldives Wins a Seat at the UN Human Rights Council
The Maldives has won a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council at the elections held today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York today.
Today’s election saw 17 countries competing for 14 vacant seats. The Maldives competed in the Group of Asia-Pacific States for one of the four vacant seats.
The Maldives won with 154 votes out of a total of 189 votes cast. Along with the Maldives, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Kyrgyzstan also won seats for the Group of Asia-Pacific States.
The membership for the UN Humans Rights Council is based on equitable geographical distribution, and seats are allotted as follows among regional groups:
- Group of African States (13)
- Group of Asia-Pacific States (13)
- Group of Eastern European States (6)
- Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (8)
- Group of Western European and other States (7)
The 47 United Nations Human Rights Council not only reflects the United Nation’s diversity and gives the Council legitimacy when speaking out on human rights violations in all countries.
Members serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms. The new members will start their terms on January 1, 2023.
Maldives must continue providing exceptional hospitality in order to maintain leading tourist destination status, says President
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday stated Maldives must continue to provide exceptional hospitality to visitors in order to maintain the country’s status as the leading tourist destination. He made this remark at the Tourism Appreciation Reception held at Crossroads Maldives to celebrate the Golden Year of Tourism.
The President stated that the Maldivians have always been exemplary in welcoming tourists who visit the country. He also said that special consideration must be given to maintain the quality of the service, and to preserve the natural beauty of the Maldivian islands in order to maintain the country’s position in the competitive international tourism markets.
In his speech, President Solih reflected on how the tourism industry flourished in the Maldives and thanked the pioneers of the industry for their hard work and dedication. He also commended everyone involved in the Maldives’ tourism industry and expressed gratitude for their efforts.
Vice President Faisal Naseem, cabinet ministers, tourism pioneers, and other state dignitaries attended the event.
The President presented Appreciation Awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the tourism industry over the last 50 years. The Vice President presented Appreciation Awards to prominent tourism industry professionals who had excelled over the previous 50 years.
The reception was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of tourism in the Maldives, to recognise the hard work of those in the tourism industry, and to bring them together in a setting where they could network.
Ensuring livelihoods to all communities without bias is the best way to honour the nation – President
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Tuesday stated that ensuring ease of livelihoods and a ‘Jazeera’ lifestyle for all citizens across the nation without bias is the best way to honour the nation. He made the remark while speaking at the official ceremony held to mark the National Day in Utheemu Island of Haa Alifu Atoll.
In his address, the President reflected on the sacrifices Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam made in liberating the Maldives from Portuguese occupation. He said that the revered hero’s most notable contribution to the country was the preservation of its national identity. President Solih spoke about the qualities attributed to Muhammad Thakurufaanu and how he had envisioned the country. He particularly noted how the hero was known for being cordial, compassionate and kind to guests and said that the hospitality industry the Maldives is famous for was predicated on these qualities and principles.
The President also said that there were very few historical sites such as the Utheemu Ganduvaru in the Maldives now and emphasised the importance of preserving the country’s history, culture and traditions. He noted the administration’s efforts to protect the Maldives’ heritage sites, mentioning the restorative work done on the Kalhuvakaru Mosque in Malé. He added that historical sites and artefacts were now being carefully protected under a management policy.
Before concluding his address, the President highlighted the importance of instilling in the youth Islamic morals such as equality and justice. He also asserted the importance of raisisng a generation that is conscientious of the environment’s changing conditions.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, cabinet ministers and senior officials of the government, at the ceremony.
President and First Lady participate in flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate National Day 2022
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed on Tuesday morning, participated in the commemorative flag hoisting ceremony held to mark Maldives’ National Day. The ceremony was held at the ‘Ganduvaru Maidhaan’ in Utheemu Island in Haa Alifu atoll, at 0600 hours.
Upon arrival, the President and the First Lady were greeted by the Minister of Defense, Uza Mariya Ahmed Didi, and the Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abdulla. A special prayer was recited at the ceremony.
The President and the First Lady were accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials from the government at the ceremony.
The National Day is celebrated on the first of Rabī’al-Awwal every year.