Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi has stated strategic intelligence is a vital component of the global security equation. She made the statement in her opening remarks at the 14th Indo-Pacific Intelligence Chiefs Conference.
In her remarks, Minister Mariya said strategic intelligence is the discipline that provides guidance and direction to policy-makers and shapes people's choices and destinies. Minister Mariya noted that while some fundamental strategic paradigm shifts have taken place even regionally, the shifts are necessary, given the strategic imperatives, economic significance, and the sheer human potential within the Indian Ocean region, which is home to over 2 billion people and the major sea routes of the world.
The minister also highlighted the pressing need for greater partnerships through dialogue, quoting President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's remarks at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had expressed the intention of the Maldives to be a good international partner in bringing about a shared solution to global issues from terrorism to climate change, and in intelligence-sharing, counterterrorism training, and best practice sharing, through concerted global action.
Minister Mariya also highlighted the security challenges posed by the unique island geography of the Maldives, which is both compressed and dispersed at the same time, with water forming 99.7 percent of the nation's territory.
Intelligence Chiefs from over 20 partner states attended the 14th Indo-Pacific Intelligence Chiefs Conference, which was held at Kurumba Maldives. The theme for the conference was Overcoming Global Intelligence Challenges through Partnerships.