Maldives Foreign Minister calls on Secretary-General

Maldives Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed called on Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, on 10 December 2008.

The Secretary-General congratulated Dr Shaheed, the government and the people of Maldives for the peaceful transition of power following the presidential election that took place in October this year, which was a significant landmark in the democratic reform process of the country. Dr Shaheed updated the Secretary-General on other political developments in the country and advised that scheduled parliamentary elections in 2009 were on track.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s determination to continue assisting the government of Maldives in identified priority areas to support its development needs.

Dr Shaheed shared his concerns about the adverse effects of the international economic crisis on his country, as well as the severe challenges faced by Maldives in mitigating the effects of climate change. The Secretary-General said climate change-related health issues would be among the topics discussed by Commonwealth Health Ministers at their meeting in Geneva in May 2009. That meeting is likely to examine issues such as access to drinking water and the impact of land degradation.

Suggestions on how to mark the 60th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth in 2009 as well as preparations for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2009 were also discussed.

Key Links:

• Secretary-General
• Country Profile: Maldives