Foreign Affairs Minister remarks in response to the outcome of the TIP 2017 report

“Maldives Upgrading to Tier 2 in the TIP Report is a Strong Endorsement of the Government’s Policies against Human Trafficking”, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohamed Asim. The Minister, in making remarks in response to the outcome of the TIP 2017 report, further noted that the decision by the authors of the 2017 Report to upgrade the Maldives shows strong recognition and acceptance of the Maldives’s strengthened efforts to combat trafficking in persons by adopting necessary legislation, and implementing key initiatives introduced by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s Government.

The Maldives has made commendable progress in combatting trafficking in persons, and has been upgraded to Tier 2 in the latest U.S. State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2017. This upgrade, according to the Report, is based on Government efforts to combat trafficking in persons, compared to the previous reporting period.

“The Government demonstrated increasing efforts by convicting traffickers under its trafficking law for the first time. The Government increased investigations, prosecutions, and the identification of trafficking victims. The Government acceded to the 2000 UN TIP Protocol, launched awareness campaigns and amended its employment act to require employers to establish and pay employees’ salaries through bank accounts”, says the 2017 TIP Report.

During the reporting period, the Maldives Police has reportedly investigated 11 trafficking cases, 10 cases of forced labour and one sex trafficking case. The Government has also prosecuted 4 new human trafficking cases, which is an increase from zero from the three previous reporting periods. The first conviction for human trafficking was also secured during this reporting period, which is a major achievement for the Government of the Maldives. The Report also makes positive note of strengthened victim protection and prevention of the crime in the country.

Minister Asim also emphasized the pivotal role played by the Ministry of Economic Development and Maldives Immigration, and assured that the Foreign Ministry will continue to play a key role in disseminating information, inter-agency coordination, reporting, and raising domestic awareness on human trafficking.

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Message by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamed Asim on the Occasion of UN Charter Day 2017

26 October 2017, Male’;

As we celebrate the seventy-second anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter—the document that was born out of the ashes of war, providing hope of a brighter future for millions—the Maldives reiterates its belief on the importance of multilateralism to deliver the solutions to the global challenges of our time.

The Maldives joined the United Nations in 1965, twenty years after the signing of the Charter. It was the first ‘micro-state’ to join the United Nations, prompting a debate about the ability of ‘very small States’ such as the Maldives to deliver the responsibilities enshrined in the Charter. Yet, the principle of ‘one-state, one-vote’ principle set out in Article 18 of the Charter refuted such arguments and guaranteed a place for the Maldives a seat at the table of community of nations.

The Maldives, merely a month after its independence, placed its faith in the community of independent nations—the United Nations—to deliver on the promise of equal opportunity to succeed, to develop freely, and independent of influence. We continue to rely on the principles that form the bedrock of the United Nations, as included in its Charter, to ensure that our voice is heard and our concerns addressed, in every decision making chamber, in every resolution, and in every process.

The United Nations Charter continues to remain the beacon of hope, especially for the small and micro-states of the world. The people of our countries cherish the Charter, for it guaranteed equal right to every member of the UN to serve and to contribute in maintaining peace and security in the world. The Maldives is ready to serve, and to propose shared solutions for a more peaceful and a just society—our shared destiny.

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President and First Lady Exchanges Eid greetings with Public

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim exchanged greetings with the public, on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, at Dharubaaruge on Sunday.

The President and First Lady greeted a large number of the public; including children as well as State Officials, State Dignitaries, Diplomats and Senior Government Officials.

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President Conveys Eid al-Fitr Greetings to the Leaders and the fraternal people of Islamic Countries

On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has conveyed greetings and good wishes to the leaders and the fraternal people of Islamic countries.

In his message, the President expressed his wishes for Almighty Allah to guide the Muslim Ummah on to the right path, accept our good deeds, and bestow blessings of lasting peace, solidarity and prosperity.

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Foreign Minister returns to Male’ after concluding a successful official visit to Indonesia

Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim has returned to Male’ after concluding a three-day official visit to Indonesia.

During the visit, Minister Asim held bilateral discussions with his Indonesian counterpart, Her Excellency Ms. Retno Marsudi and reviewed the scope of bilateral relations between the two countries. In particular, the two Ministers agreed to collaborate closely on several areas including climate change, tourism, fisheries, connectivity and technical cooperation. The Ministers also agreed to explore avenues to increase people-to-people contact and expand cooperation to strengthen commercial and trade ties. Further, the two Ministers agreed to coordinate closely in international fora, especially at the United Nations, on issues of mutual interest.

Minister Asim also met with other key Indonesian Government officials including the Minister for Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Her Excellency Ms. Susi Pudjiaastuti, and the Minister for Tourism, His Excellency Mr. Arief Yahya, and held discussions during the visit.

The Maldives and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1974. Both countries are world renowned tourism destinations. A large number of Indonesians are currently working in the tourism sector of the Maldives. Trade and commercial relations between the two countries have grown steadily over the years.

Minister Asim was accompanied by H.E Ahmed Khaleel, Secretary, Bilateral and Mr. Ahmed Suzil, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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