During an official visit to the United Kingdom, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Member of Parliament for Leeds Central and Headingley, Alex Sobel, and senior Leeds officials to discuss strengthening ties in healthcare, food security, climate adaptation, and digital transformation.
The conversation addressed healthcare, with the President sharing initiatives and exploring how Leeds-based health technology could support the Maldives in advancing telemedicine. The President highlighted the administration's food security goal, emphasising efforts to grow local food instead of relying on imports. In response, the delegation from Leeds shared recent initiatives in the food sector.
President Dr Muizzu outlined his vision to grow the Maldives' digital economy to 15 percent of GDP by 2030 and invited collaboration on AI-driven solutions and digital transformation. He also noted the model city initiative of the government and explained the ambitious project and noted how these projects need international support and financial assistance. The biggest solar panel initiatives that began last month were also highlighted reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to climate change adaptation, and the importance of international cooperation.
President Dr Muizzu further highlighted efforts to preserve the coral reefs of the island country, its natural beauty and biosphere, and also discussed researching weather and upgrading early warning systems. He discussed with the City of Leeds seeking expertise in clean energy and sustainable urban planning, including low-carbon public transport models for Male' City, and explored avenues to expand opportunities for Maldivian students to study at Leeds universities and other areas of collaboration with the University.
Alex Sobel and other senior officials elaborated on the assistance provided to countries, and expressed willingness to collaborate in areas such as clean energy, transportation, and digitalisation of public services.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.