Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim has met with Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres and other diplomats during his visit to New York.
In the meeting, Minister Asim and the UN Secretary General discussed on Maldivian priorities at the United Nations, and other issues of mutual interest. Minister Asim also met with the President of the United Nations General Assembly Miroslav Lajčák and conversed on the ongoing discussions at the general assembly, including reform of the United Nations Development System, the representation of SIDS in decision making processes of the UN, and the PGA's priorities for the year.
In addition Minister Asim held a meeting with Permanent Representatives of the Caribbean countries and discussed on promoting the interests and priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the UN, addressing climate change, and ensuring representation of SIDS.
Minister Asim also met with the Members of Africa Group to reinforce links between African countries and the Maldives, and to present the UNSC candidature of the Maldives to the group.
Meanwhile, Maldives, with UN Foundation, hosted a side event on addressing the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Graduation Gap. In this regard the Maldivian Foreign Minister shared post-graduation challenges and how the government is addressing them.
Minister Asim is visiting New York and has earlier spoken at the High Level Meeting to launch the "International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028" hosted by the President of the General Assembly.