President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has assured the public that the administration is taking every necessary measure to mitigate the negative effects and impact on the Maldives’ economy due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In a televised address to the nation, President Solih noted that, with both countries being top contributors to the Maldives’ tourist arrival figures, a prolonged crisis in Ukraine would have detrimental effects on the economy. The president said the Ministry of Finance has analysed the possible impact on the Maldives’ tourism sector and is currently implementing measures to mitigate and overcome it. He noted some of the measures include efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) to explore new tourism markets.
Speaking further, President Solih noted the Maldives' foreign policy is based on the principles of international law that recognise all states' sovereign equality. As a small island state, the president stated the Maldives stands firm on this principle and called on the respective parties to give precedence to diplomacy in managing and resolving the crisis. Expressing solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the president went on to echo calls for dialogue to end their "suffering."
The president also spoke about efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education to assist Maldivian students living in proximity to the conflict zone. He stated the administration is also working to assist students rescued from Ukraine to find ways to resume their education.
Concluding his address, President Solih provided an update on his health, stating that he is recovering well from his recent thyroid surgery.