Commonwealth Team Calls on the Foreign Minister

The Commonwealth Secretariat Staff Team on an assessment mission to the Maldives paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs today.

At the meeting which was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Shahid expressed the political will of the Government of Maldives in becoming a Member State of the Commonwealth at the earliest possible opportunity, and committed the Maldives in pursuing the accession process in full cooperation with the Commonwealth Secretariat.

He mentioned that the Maldives had a lot to gain from the Commonwealth and its Member States, in the country’s journey to further strengthen and bolster the country’s institutional capacity especially in the judicial sector. He also mentioned that the Maldives had a lot to contribute as well, through its experience in democratic consolidation, and its leadership in the areas of climate change and human rights.

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Ambassador-designate of Maldives to Germany pays courtesy call on the Vice President

Ambassador-designate of Maldives to Germany, His Excellency, Mr. Ahmed Latheef paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Vice President Faisal Naseem, this morning at the President’s Office.

The Vice President congratulated the Ambassador-designate on his posting and expressed his eagerness to work closely with the Ambassador to further solidify the friendly ties between Maldives and Germany.  

The Vice President emphasized Education and Health as two priorities areas, for which we should request expertise from Germany. He further stated the importance of promoting Tourism through positive advertising and maintaining good trade relations with Germany. Moreover, the Vice President requested the Ambassador to facilitate efficient consular services to Maldivians living in Germany, with special regard for Maldivian students. 

The Ambassador-designate reciprocated the Vice President’s sentiments regarding strengthening of bilateral ties, and gave assurance that during his ambassadorial tenure he will strive to fulfill the policies of President Solih’s Administration. 

Concluding the call, Ambassador-designate and the Vice President discussed training opportunities for youths.

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Minister Shahid concludes his visit to London

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid concludes his official visit to London from 26 to 29 January 2019.

During the visit, Minster Shahid held fruitful discussions with officials of the Government of United Kingdom. Today, Minister Shahid met with Minister of State for Commonwealth and UN at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Lord Ahmed of Wimbledon and Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Rt Hon Mark Field. The Ministers discussed ways of further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Minister Shahid conveyed the government’s decision to upgrade the Maldives mission in London by deputing a resident Ambassador and expressed sincere appreciation of the Government of Maldives for the UK Government’s decision in opening a British Embassy in the Maldives.

Minister Shahid also addressed the 29th Governing Council Meeting of Community of Democracies. In his statement Minister mentioned the struggle of Maldives in attaining democracy. He also highlighted on the wish of Maldivian people to rejoin the Commonwealth.

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Commonwealth Assessment Team Arrives in Maldives, Calls on Foreign Secretary

The Commonwealth Secretariat Staff Team on an assessment mission to evaluate the Maldives’ membership application to the organization has arrived in the Maldives today. During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Foreign Secretary, welcomed the team to the Maldives and expressed the desire of the Government to re-join the Commonwealth as a Member State.

Foreign Secretary Ghafoor mentioned that the Maldives has benefitted immensely in the past from being a member of the 53-member state organization, and had been able to contribute to important global discussions on human rights, sustainable development, climate change, and democratic consolidation as a member of the Commonwealth. The objective of re-joining the Commonwealth has been high on the agenda of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s Government, and an expression of interest was sent to the Commonwealth Secretary-General in December 2018. Since then, the His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid had met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General in London on the 27th of January.

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Commonwealth looks forward to welcoming the Maldives back into the family

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid met with Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of Commonwealth this afternoon to discuss the impending accession of the Maldives to re-join the Commonwealth.

During the meeting, Minister Shahid highlighted that one of the key pledges of His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is to re-join the Commonwealth. Minister thanked the Secretary General for the positive response received with regard to the request of expediting the process of Maldives re-joining the Commonwealth. Minister Shahid assured that the Maldives is ready to proceed with the accession procession and will provide full cooperation to the assessment due to take place in order to proceed with the membership process.

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