The Maldives has called for accelerated regional and international cooperation in assisting vulnerable nations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement was made by a delegation from the Maldives which participated in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Virtual Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) – Dialogue Partner Engagement on COVID-19: Responses, Cooperation and Partnership.
The virtual meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) of the United Arab Emirates and the IORA Secretariat. It brought together senior officials from IORA member states and dialogue partners to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore tangible responses to cooperate and assist member states in need. The meeting also provided the opportunity to share COVID-19 success stories and updates on policy measures taken at national levels, including challenges encountered during the implementation of policy responses.
The statement of the Maldives was delivered by Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Asim Ahmed. In his statement, Ambassador Asim briefed participants on the series of precautionary measures taken by the government of Maldives to combat the spread of COVID-19, including the nation-wide lockdown, suspension of on-arrival visas, monitoring staple food stock, establishment of flu clinics across the country and stockpiling essential food items.
The ambassador also emphasised the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as a result of the ongoing pandemic and its dire effects on the Maldivian economy. He called for accelerated regional and international cooperation in assisting the most vulnerable members of the organisation, by providing urgent and much needed assistance such as necessary medical and protective equipment. He also called on dialogue partners to come forward and assist the country in longer-term economic recovery.
IORA is a leading organisation in the Indian Ocean Region, providing a forum for member states and dialogue partners to enhance socio-economic cooperation. IORA has 22 member states and 10 dialogue partners. The Maldives formally joined IORA on November 8, 2019.