The Maldives has called for strengthened support within the Commonwealth of Nations. The remarks were made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid while participating in the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM).
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Shahid called for strengthened support within the Commonwealth towards areas including good governance, rule of law, stability, economic recovery, and relieving debt burdens. He further stressed the need to finalise the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) and called on the Commonwealth to push International Financial Institutions to adopt the MVI.
Additionally, Minister Shahid acknowledged the role played by the various Commonwealth mechanisms in place to support its member states, including the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, Commonwealth Blue Charter, and the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub. He also called for the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund in the lead-up to the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28).
CFAMM brought together foreign ministers from across the Commonwealth to deliberate on and hold an interactive discussion on three topics: building resilience for peaceful, just, and stable societies, financing for climate-resilient and sustainable development, and leveraging intra-Commonwealth trade and digital connectivity.