Statement by H.E. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, President of Maldives on the United States Withdrawal from Paris Agreement

2 June 2017, Male’:

QUOTE

The Maldives, Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), regrets the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Not only does it represent a blow to the global efforts against climate change, it is also a setback for the multilateral process that is essential for governing the international community.

As one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and a leader of 37 island and low-lying coastal nations at the United Nations, we are especially disappointed that the world’s largest economy and biggest historic emitter abdicated its responsibility on such a critical issue. Still, immediately after the US announcement was made, much of the world reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement and our common dignity as global citizens. The European Union and China announced plans to hold a special climate summit in September and emerging leaders like India and Brazil assured the world of their determination to press on in the effort moving forward.

The Maldives will continue its historic role as the voice of the nations most vulnerable to climate change and work with all partners, new and old, to realise the promise of a clean energy economy and healthy planet.

UNQUOTE

Source: The President’s Office

/by

Government of Maldives and JICA signed a grant agreement to provide grant aid more than USD 25 Million

30 May 2017, Male’

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the Government of the Republic of Maldives to provide grant aid of up to 2792 million yen for assistance for the project for the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Network Development.

This project will provide an Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting -Terrestrial (ISDB_T) television network through the Maldives, making information more accessible to residents and reducing information disparities among islands. This initiative will also advance the speedy communication of emergency warning information as a measure against climate change and to strengthen disaster preparedness.

JICA has been building a close relationship with the Government of Republic of Maldives by providing various supports including construction of seawall in Male’, construction of primary schools and installation of solar panels to promote clean energy.

In addition to the Grant Project, JICA has a plan to provide a technical cooperation project to enhance broadcasters’ capability to utilize newly introduced ISDB-T system. We expect to have synergetic effects from the projects to deliver maximum benefits to the people of the Maldives.

/by

Special Envoy of the President of Maldives Hands Over Financial Assistance to Sri Lanka

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim in his capacity as the Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Maldives has met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, MP, this afternoon.

During this meeting, the Special Envoy conveyed condolences from the Government and the people of Maldives to Sri Lanka following the flooding and landslides that occurred due to torrential rains resulting in the loss of several innocent lives, damages to infrastructure, and a significant disruption of the lives of hundreds of people; and informed that the Maldives stands with Sri Lanka during this difficult time.

During the meeting, the Special Envoy of the President also handed over to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, MP, financial assistance from the Government of Maldives to the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Special Envoy of the President was accompanied at the meeting by the Ambassador of Maldives to Sri Lanka Her Excellency Zahiya Zareer, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Aminath Abdullah Didi and Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Maldives to Sri Lanka, Ms Khadeeja Najeeha.

/by

President appeals to all to make best of Ramadan

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, in his special message on the occasion of the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan, appealed to all to make the best of the Holy month.

In his message, the President underscored that it is a true blessing to witness the Holy month and extended greetings on the occasion to the people of Maldives and to the wider Muslim Community.

The President highlighted that with the month of Ramadan comes also the opportunity to engage in our beliefs and spirituality.

Additionally, the President noted that the revelation of the Holy Quran took place during the month of Ramadan thus it is essential to engage in good deeds, avoid missing prayers and bring a renewed passion to studying the Quran.

/by

Maldives to participate in the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORA)

On advice from the Cabinet, the President has decided on the Maldives’ participation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORA). The deliberations were made at today’s meeting of the Cabinet, on a paper presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Cooperation is based on the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit among members. The main areas of cooperation include economics, science and technology, fisheries, tourism, and human resource development.

At today’s meeting, members noted that membership of IORA would facilitate resolving issues of piracy, terrorism, and other security concerns in the Indian ocean.

/by