Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Asim has met with Representatives for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Minister Asim welcomed the Chief of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Mona Rishmawi at the Ministry for a courtesy call.
Foreign Minister Asim underlined the importance the Maldives attaches to the United Nations and its desire to engage constructively with OHCHR in dialogue to address ongoing political developments and human rights issues, in welcoming her visit to the Maldives. Foreign Minister Asim reiterated the commitment of Government of Maldives in upholding the rule of law and pillars of democracy in the country.
In referring to the purpose of the OHCHR visit to the Maldives, Foreign Minister Asim assured Rishmawi the Government has already invited its development partners and representatives of international organisations to visit the country and to assess the situation. Minister Asim highlighted that it was the Government's interest to engage in dialogue that paved the way to welcoming the visit from OHCHR to the Maldives. The Minister recalled the strong partnership that has existed the Maldives and OHCHR in past years, and discussed ways to further strengthen it on the basis of mutual respect and understanding.
Foreign Secretary Ahmed Sareer and United Nations Resident Coordinator Shoko Noda also participated in the meeting.