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Foreign Minister calls for enhanced regional cooperation in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has called for enhanced cooperation among the countries of South Asia in order to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate the impact of similar events in the future. The foreign minister made the statement while delivering his remarks at the Horasis Extraordinary Meeting, held virtually on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on October 1.

Speaking at a panel entitled ‘The Potential for South Asia’, Minister Shahid noted the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the inequalities that exist within and between countries to a shocking level. Minister Shahid emphasised the need for strengthened regional cooperation to combat the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia.

Minister Shahid acknowledged that the Maldives’ precarious dependency on a single industry for national income has led to economic collapse, despite early intervention. Minister Shahid added that the Maldives has taken strict measures to cut down expenditure, and formulated long-term plans for recovery including diversifying the country’s economy.

Minister Shahid expressed his gratitude to the international community and the brotherly nations in the region including India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for their generous assistance in the form of aid, grants, credit lines and undisrupted supply of essential commodities during this critical time. Acknowledging that SAARC needs to do so much more, the minister called to strengthen intra-regional trade and connectivity, to benefit from the full potential that exist in SAARC. He also highlighted that more than ever, the crisis has revealed that universal access to internet and digital technology are critical to ensure development and progress for all.

In conclusion, the foreign minister stated that the world must take the lessons, and focus on how we rebuild after this pandemic, by incorporating preparedness, resilience, inclusivity, equity and sustainability.

The forum was held virtually this year due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Shahid was joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shariar Alam, and Minister of State for Road and Transport and Highways of India V.K Singh.