President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed hope to strengthen tourism cooperation with Guyana. The sentiments of the president were shared with the President of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali at a meeting held on the margins of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
During the meeting, two leaders discussed numerous mutual interests, given that the Maldives and Guyana are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and members of the Commonwealth, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). President Solih appreciated the assistance and cooperation extended to the Maldives by the Government of Guyana on multilateral platforms, most recently during the election for the UNGA presidency.
Speaking further, President Solih shared the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives, especially the socioeconomic repercussions from closing the borders and effectively shutting down tourism. He noted the increase in tourist arrivals since reopening borders in July last year, stating that he looks forward to strengthening tourism cooperation with Guyana. Both presidents expressed interest to advance sustainable tourism in both countries.
Meanwhile, President Solih and President Ali regarded the climate crisis as one of the most urgent global issues. As leaders of AOSIS countries, the two presidents resolved to work together in the international fora to secure solid mitigation strategies and climate resilience for SIDS. They also discussed advocacy and action at the upcoming COP26 conference to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, later this year.
Concluding the call, both presidents expressed their desire to continue strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations to promote issues of mutual interest.