Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim has highlighted the aspects of social and economic progress enjoyed by the Maldives, under the stewardship of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
Addressing at the General Debate of the United General Assembly, the Foreign Minister noted the progress made on gender equality, support provided for persons with disabilities and elderly, universal healthcare and progress in the area of health, affordable housing, achievements in education and investment on youth.
Minister Asim said, adopting a proactive and constructive stand is the approach of the Maldivian government.
In his address, Minister Asim also stressed on the difficulties faced by middle income countries such as the Maldives to access financing, for much needed large investment projects. According to Minister, this forces middle income countries, to go with commercial interest rates, increasing their debt burden and makes the transition, out of the middle income box to higher levels of development, all the more challenging.
Minister Asim made this reflection, while speaking on the necessity of large scale investments to achieve higher growth.