Ambassador at-large Dr. Asim Ahmed has claimed Maldivians are not aware of the benefits of the Commonwealth.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Ambassador at-large Asim said the Commonwealth will continue assisting Maldives, adding Maldivians will continue benefiting from the organisation. Highlighting the benefits for member nations, Asim said until the former administration decided to leave the organisation in 2016, Maldivians received several scholarship opportunities, in addition to numerous support the country received in developing sports.
Asim added the Commonwealth also rendered training and development assistance to many institutions. He said the organisation had been an important partner in national development.
The former administration decided to leave the Commonwealth claiming the organisation did not provide support in developing Maldives. However, Ambassador at-large Asim rejected the claims and said the organisation provided assistance anytime Maldives needed. He added the organisation also assisted in providing Maldives with doctors and other medical professionals following the tsunami in 2004, in addition to providing assistance in developing Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Ambassador-at-large Asim also noted the Commonwealth assisted in setting Special Economic Zones (EEZ) and Continental Shelf of the Maldives. Asim said further developments are to be expected after Maldives was readmitted to the international organisation.
Maldives withdrew from Commonwealth during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayoom on October 13, 2016. After President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih assumed office, Maldives reapplied to join the Commonwealth on December 6, 2018, to fulfill his electoral pledge. The Commonwealth approved the application and Maldives rejoined the organisation on February 1, 2020.