President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated regional cooperation is required to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President made the remarks in a message sent to Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Esala Ruwan Weerakoon, on the occasion of the 36th SAARC Charter Day.
In the message, the President extended warm greetings and best wishes to the Secretary-General of SAARC, the SAARC Secretariat, SAARC bodies and entities, and to all of the SAARC family. Noting this year’s SAARC Charter Day is being marked amidst a global pandemic, the President said the role of SAARC in fostering a strong regional identity and enhancing cooperation between the governments is especially evident now. He expressed overcoming the challenge of the pandemic will require the whole region to work together regularly and in good faith.
Further, President Solih called on to redouble the commitment to ensure that the organization lives up to its full potential. The President underlined it is crucial that members regularly engage and consult with one another, and coordinate efforts on mutually important issues, in order to reap the full benefits of regional cooperation.
In conclusion, the President reassured the Maldives’ commitment to SAARC since its inception in 1985, reiterating eagerness to work together with neighbors to strengthen the peace, prosperity and stability of the region.