Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated that the Maldives has shown a willingness to work with all nations and the wider international community. He made the remark in his message on the 58th anniversary of the Maldives joining the United Nations (UN).
In his message, Minister Shahid said that the Maldives joined the UN 58 years ago, at a time when the country was the smallest member of the family of nations and one of the poorest. He said that 58 years later, the Maldives has shown its commitment to the UN charter by making its voice heard, from issues of international peace and security to sustainable development, from the promotion and protection of human rights to strengthening the UN system.
Additionally, Minister Shahid said that in 1979, the Maldives was among the 10 countries that requested the inclusion of equitable representation on an increase in the membership of the UN Security Council. He also said that the Maldives has been at the forefront of advocating for the protection and security of small states. He further said that the Maldives continues to be a leader in combating the climate crisis and ensuring environmental protection. He noted that the Maldives hosted the first Small States Conference held on Sea Level Rise in 1989, which led to the formation of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), a group that now constitutes one-fifth of the UN membership. He added that the Maldives led the group from 2015 to 2018 during important negotiations to finalise the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Stable Development.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid said that the Maldives has used the UN as a platform to establish diplomatic relations with 185 countries and enhance diplomatic engagement with the world. He said that thanks to this level of engagement, Maldivian citizens can now travel to 101 countries without the need to apply for a visa beforehand.
Moreover, Minister Shahid highlighted that the Maldives continues to serve and contribute in leadership positions in main and subsidiary organs and treaty bodies and through active participation. He noted that he served as the President of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly and that Maldives is serving on the human rights council for a third time. He emphasised that the safety and security of small states like the Maldives can only be assured through multilateralism and engagement. He added that today, the Maldives stands proud and are active, responsible, and will work with all states and the wider international community for the people and planet and for prosperity.