President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with Abdulla Shahid, who is presently in the Maldives as President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), to discuss reforming the United Nations.
President Solih stated at a joint news conference at the President’s Office on Wednesday that the discussions with the PGA were focused on improving relations between the Maldives and the United Nations (UN) and measures to further improve current connections.
The president stated that the Maldives has always regarded changing the work of UN entities in accordance with the growing changes in society to be vital, adding that the nation has always been a strong champion on the subject.
He emphasised the necessity of advocating for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives in the international arena. In this context, he asked that efforts be made to enable loan concessions for SIDS whose economies are constantly battered.
Solih also stated that the UN plays a critical role in aiding the world’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the PGA’s efforts in mobilising resources to ensure equal access to cheap COVID-19 vaccinations. Highlighting the situation of girls and women throughout the world, the president emphasised the significance of gender equality, social equity, and girls’ and women’s empowerment, asking the PGA to prioritise such initiatives.
He extended his gratitude to the UN on behalf of all Maldivians, noting that various UN agencies had provided financial assistance to the Maldives during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the joint news conference, PGA Shahid thanked President Solih for inviting him to the Maldives in his position as President of the United Nations General Assembly’s 76th Session. He also commended President Solih for the Maldives’ achievements in the international arena, noting that it was accomplished via the president’s tough foreign policy.
