The Maldives has been holding a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) currently underway in New York, aimed at further strengthening diplomatic relations with partner countries.
The Maldives is represented at UNGA by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel. On Friday, Dr Khaleel held bilateral discussions with the foreign ministers of eight countries, including several fellow small island nations.
Meeting with São Tomé and Príncipe
During the meeting with Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz, the Foreign Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, both ministers underscored the importance of cooperation between small countries such as São Tomé and Príncipe and the Maldives. Discussions centred on enhancing bilateral relations and deepening cooperation in the international arena.
Meeting with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel also met with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Foreign Minister Frederick Stephenson. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation at the international level, including joint efforts within Small Island Developing States (SIDS) framework.
Meeting with Tuvalu
Tuvalu's Minister for Justice, Communications and Foreign Affairs, Paulson Panapa also met with Minister Khaleel on the sidelines of UNGA. During the meeting, the two discussed working together on advancing the development priorities of small island nations.
Meeting with Philippines
The Minister met with the Philippine’s Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro, where the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations. The agreement aims to further strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship and foster a cooperative partnership that will promote the common interests of both countries. It will also provide a framework to effectively implement key understandings and agreements reached between the two governments, and promote exchanges and cooperation in various areas between the two countries.
Meeting with Indonesia
In his meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, discussions focused on expanding bilateral relations and strengthening collaboration in the international arena.
Meetings with Marshall Islands, Tajikistan and Brunei
The Foreign Minister also held separate meetings with Foreign Minister of the Marshall Islands Kalani Kaneko, Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Second Foreign Minister of Brunei, Dato Erywan Yusof. Talks centred on advancing bilateral cooperation and international engagement.
The Foreign Minister also held earlier meetings with counterparts from other countries during his visit to New York for UNGA.