President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's upcoming visit to Estonia will have transformative potential for the Maldives' digital technology sector, according to Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology Dr Mohamed Kinaanath. In an interview on PSM News' 'Raajje Miadhu' programme, Kinaanath highlighted Estonia’s reputation in digital technology and expressed optimism about the prospects of this visit.
President Dr Muizzu is set to embark on an official visit to Estonia from 13 to 16 January, marking the first visit by a sitting Maldivian president to the Baltic nation. The visit comes at the invitation of Estonian President Dr Alar Karis and aims to elevate the Maldives' digital technology sector and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Kinaanath underscored the importance of this visit, stating, "Estonia is globally renowned in the sector of digital technology." He expressed confidence that President Dr Muizzu’s visit will enable the Maldives to witness firsthand the technological advancements and strategies employed by Estonia, which could be instrumental in advancing the Maldives' own digital sector. "In my opinion, the most significant benefit will be the opportunity to elevate our digital technology sector to new heights," he asserted.
The visit is expected to provide the Maldives with the opportunity to learn from Estonia’s advanced digital technology sector. Estonia’s exemplary rankings in digital society, the global securities index, and mobile broadband subscription underscore its leadership in digital innovation. Dr Kinaanath elaborated on the potential benefits, noting that Estonia’s experience and expertise could significantly contribute to the development of the Maldives' digital technology sector.
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu and President Karis will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on digital, cyber, and e-governance sectors. The agenda will also cover climate and environmental issues, as well as science and education, according to a statement by the President‘s Office.
One of the key events will be President Dr Muizzu's participation in a round table organised by the Digital Advisory Council to the President of Estonia. This platform will provide an opportunity to explore further avenues of cooperation between the two nations.
Estonia's journey in digital transformation is highly regarded globally. The nation is a trailblazer in digital governance and e-services, renowned for its pioneering e-Residency programme and seamless integration of digital solutions into public services.
President Dr Muizzu has pledged to establish a digital economy that will contribute up to 15% of the Maldives' GDP by 2030. This ambitious initiative is a key component of his broader vision to transform the Maldives into a developed nation by 2040. The government is also developing a digital transformation roadmap and strategy and working on an AI readiness assessment led by UNESCO, as well as a national AI masterplan.