Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has highlighted the support of partner countries for the Maldives to remain as an independent nation.
Speaking at the virtual reception held at the Maldives Embassy in Thailand to celebrate the 55th Independence Day of the Maldives, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid reminisced the journey of the country towards independence. In his remarks, the minister acknowledged the aid and support received by the Maldives amid the COVID-19 pandemic from neighbouring and partner countries and the international community.
Noting the Maldives was the smallest and the poorest country at that time of independence, the foreign minister said the country accepted it could not survive without international recognition, adding the country could not have thrived without the support from key drivers in its decision to apply for the membership of the United Nations (UN). However, the minister said the principle of equality ensured that the Maldives became the 117th member of the UN less than two months after independence and appreciated the support from members of the international community. He also shed light on the historically strong relations between the Maldives and Thailand.
The virtual reception was attended by Director General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Dusit Manapan as the Chief Guest, Ambassador of the Maldives to Thailand Mohamed Jinah and other dignitaries.