The Ambassador of Norway to the Maldives, called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim.

The Ambassador of Norway to the Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Thorbjørn Gaustadsæther, called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim, today.

At the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this afternoon, Ambassador Gaustadsæther reiterated the support of Norway towards the Maldives’ efforts in the area of environment and renewable energy. He also highlighted the importance of small countries working together, especially in addressing common challenges, and in this regard noted the initiatives undertaken by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), under the Maldives chairmanship.

Foreign Minister Asim thanked the Ambassador for Norway’s assistance and highlighted the importance of cooperating not only at the level of governments but also through engagements of private sectors. Minister Asim also discussed possibilities for enhancing cooperation between both countries and reflected on ways for strengthening the existing ties especially in the area of investment in renewable energy.

Foreign Minister Asim was accompanied by Secretary Bilateral, His Excellency Ahmed Khaleel and Joint Secretary, Ms. Fathimath Najwa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

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Indian Ambassador to Maldives, Mr. Akhilesh Mishra called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim.

The Ambassador of  India to the Maldives,  Mr. Akhilesh Mishra called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim this morning. During the call, Minister Asim and Ambassador Mishra discussed on the bilateral relations between the Maldives and India.

Minister Asim and Ambassador Mishra also touched on regional and international issues of interest and expressed their desire to collaborate further at all levels.

Both sides then discussed ways to further consolidate the existing close relations between the Maldives and India, and reiterated their commitment to work together towards the progress and prosperity of both the nations.

Minister Asim was accompanied by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Khaleel, Secretary (Bilateral) and Ms. Aishath Azeema, Joint Secretary, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Minister Of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim speaks at the Opening Ceremony of the First International Conference held by Maldives National University, Theveli 2017

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Opening Ceremony of the First International Conference held by Maldives National University, Theveli 2017, Minister Asim noted that the progress the Maldives has made in its development path, and the ways in which the Maldives has been able to achieve internationally agreed development goals, were important areas where research is needed. These findings, he said, would yield important lessons for the world, as well as information on potential challenges that still exist in the Maldives.

Looking at the international context, Minister Asim also noted that small island states like the Maldives are understudied. Yet the unique approaches adopted by these islands to ensure sustainability and pursue sustainable development can be useful to replicate. In this regard, he said that island states could act as knowledge hubs, and incubators for innovation. He stated that small island states can, and have produced smart, shared solutions for the global problems facing the world today.

Minister Asim also highlighted the importance of inter-disciplinary research stating, “looking at a single issue, through multiple lenses, not only helps to understand the global challenges we face today, in a much better light, but also helps to curate better, well rounded, and sustainable solutions.”

Theveli 2017 is an International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research being held in the Maldives from 2-3 October 2017. The theme for this year’s Conference is “Towards a sustainable society”. Conference participants come from a number of countries in the region and beyond, and will also host a national research priority setting exercise on the margins.

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Message by Minister of Foreign Affairs on the International Day of Non-Violence 2017

The normal mode of interaction between human societies is non-violence. Yet, today, in some parts of the world, violence have become the norm, and women, children, and vulnerable groups are forced to flee for their lives. Today, as we mark the International Day of Non-Violence and commemorate the birthday of the global icon of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi, we salute those who prefer peace over violence, and compassion, over prejudices.

The Maldives will always oppose violence as an instrument to achieve political objective. The systemic violence against the Rohingya Muslims, including massacres, torching of homes, forced displacement and forced migration must stop. The violence by Israel in the illegally occupied Palestine and the escalation of violence in Syria must stop. Violence against any individuals or communities must stop.
Gandhi has shown to us that if we are united in our determination and if we are clear in our objective and if we are sincere in our strategies, peace through non-violence will always triumph over oppression.

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Government of Maldives reiterates its commitment to fight trafficking in persons

The Foreign Secretary of the Maldives, Mr. Ahmed Sareer, participated in the High Level Plenary meeting to review the Global Plan of Action to combat trafficking in persons this afternoon.

Speaking at the High Level meeting, the Foreign Secretary stated that trafficking in persons is an inhumane, criminal activity, which tears apart families, and fuels violence. He termed it as a transnational organized crime, which targets the most vulnerable.

The Foreign Secretary also briefed on the work carried out at national level in preventing trafficking in persons, in line with the Global Action Plan. He stated that the Maldives acceded the “Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children” last year in an effort to reinforce the implementation of existing instruments against trafficking in persons. He further noted that the Anti-Trafficking Act of the Maldives enacted in 2013, saw the establishment of an Oversight Committee to effectively steer policy and implement the legislation. In a further effort to address the issue comprehensively, the first National Action Plan to prevent trafficking in persons has been formulated for the period 2015-2019. The Plan according to the Foreign Secretary, underscores the necessity to strengthen partnerships with the international community to combat this crime.

The objective of the high-level meeting is to appraise on a four-year basis, the progress achieved in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action, to assess achievements, gaps and challenges, including in the implementation of the relevant legal instruments.

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