The Maldives and Portugal have conducted talks to explore ways to strengthen mutually beneficial economic possibilities as well as bilateral connections between the two nations.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) 76th session, between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
On Sunday, the two presidents met at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. During the meeting, a number of issues of common importance to both the Maldives and Portugal were discussed.
During the meeting, both leaders informed each other on the present COVID-19 situation in their respective nations. President Solih emphasized the Maldives government’s effective pandemic response efforts, including ambitious immunization targets.
He also stated that the drop in COVID-19 cases has allowed the government to considerably relax the limitations put in place to combat the virus’s spread.
In reply, the Portuguese president highlighted that 95 percent of the country’s population has been fully vaccinated.
He went on to congratulate the Maldives government on securing the UNGA presidency, noting that the UNGA presidency symbolizes the entire globe in ongoing worldwide efforts to rebuild economically and socially in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The Portuguese president shed light on climate change, revealing that it extends well beyond theoretical truths, adding that both nations have felt the effects of climate change because they are both maritime countries.
Both presidents also indicated a desire to enhance current economic ties. President de Sousa identified three sectors where the two nations’ collaboration might be expanded: tourism, renewable energy, and digitization. In terms of digitization, he also proposed that the Maldives participate in the forthcoming Web Summit technology conference.
President Solih expressed his appreciation for the Portuguese president’s enthusiasm in further strengthening collaboration in the tourism industry. He also indicated a desire to look into ways to expand mutually beneficial investment possibilities with Portugal and the rest of the European Union.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Maldives-Portugal ties. The two countries established diplomatic relations on February 9, 1995.
