President of Palau Surangel S. Whipps, Jr has invited President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to attend the Seventh Our Ocean Conference to be held in Palau from February 16-17, 2022.
The two presidents met on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Discussions during the meeting centred on COVID-19, environment and climate change, and tourism. As such, President Solih inquired about the COVID-19 situation in Palau, praising the prompt response to the pandemic. He discussed the challenges the Maldives has experienced as a result of having to close its borders, as well as the determination to vaccinate the entire population as soon as possible.
President Whipps, Jr noted that COVID-19 is well under control in Palau with the closing of borders and that no one has so far been hospitalised or died of the virus. He further noted that Palau has much to learn from the Maldives on re-opening the borders and re-starting the tourism sector.
The two leaders spoke extensively about the climate crisis, which they both struggle with as Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Noting the common membership of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), they expressed confidence in each other to work together on international fora to ensure that mitigation policies are effective and to gain momentum.
The talks then focused on ensuring sustainable ocean governance and a blue economy. President Solih praised President Whipps, Jr for his leadership in advocating for the 1.5°C global warming limit, as well as being one of the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement. They committed to working together even more closely in the fight against climate change at the upcoming COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. They also agreed to improve tourism cooperation and exchange expertise in sustainable tourism practices.
The meeting concluded with the two presidents expressing hope for enhanced bilateral ties on issues of common concern in the near future and in the long term.
The Maldives and Palau established diplomatic ties on October 17, 2014.