Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has concluded his official visit to the Independent State of Samoa, where he attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM). The Vice President was accompanied by a senior government delegation, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, High Commissioner of the Maldives to the UK Dr. Iruthisham Adam.
During his visit, Vice President Latheef participated in several CHOGM and side events, engaging in high-level discussions on critical global issues relevant to the Maldives. He delivered statements at the CHOGM Climate Breakfast: Building Consensus for Climate Finance Targets in the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Business Forum: Island Leaders Round Table, and the SMI CEO-Leader’s Event.
At the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s CEO-Leader’s Event during the CHOGM Business Forum, he also had an audience with the Head of the Commonwealth King Charles III. During the event, the Vice President extended an invitation to the King, on behalf of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to grace the Maldives with his presence.
Furthermore, Vice President Latheef made a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Samoa Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, host of CHOGM 2024. At the meeting, the Vice President expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister's warm hospitality and the exceptional preparations made for CHOGM 2024. He also praised Samoa's leadership role in the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) and its efforts in organizing CHOGM 2024.
This marks the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration assumed office in November 2023. The government remains committed to active international engagement and fostering strong bilateral relations with key global partners.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, held every two years, provides a platform for Commonwealth leaders to address global economic, environmental, and security challenges and collaborate on building resilience, enhancing trade, and fostering a sustainable future.