Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has thanked the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres for his support to Maldives, especially in its democratic transition. The foreign minister made the statement during a meeting held at the Office of the Secretary General at the United Nations in New York.
Speaking on the priorities of the new administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the foreign minister briefed Secretary General Guterres on the administration's two focus areas; its reform agenda, and its agenda for socio-economic development.
While highlighting the issues of critical importance to Maldives internationally, Minister Shahid briefed the secretary general of the initiatives led by Maldives at the United Nations. The minister assured Maldives will continue its advocacy and activism on the most challenging issues to Maldives and other small states, such as climate change.
Secretary General Guterres congratulated Maldives on a peaceful transition of power and commended Maldives on its leadership at global forums on its advocacy, especially on climate change.
Moreover, Foreign Minister Shahid met with the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the United Nations Miroslav Jenča. At the meeting held at the United Nations, Foreign Minister Shahid briefed the assistant secretary-general on the priorities of the new administration and discussed potential future programmes for cooperation.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Shahid met with United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Fekita K. Utoikamanu. During the meeting, discussions were held on collective efforts to support sustainable development of small islands.
During the meetings, the foreign minister was accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Ali Naseer Mohamed.