Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated the Maldives is proud to have rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations.
In a message on the occasion of Commonwealth Day, Minister Shahid said the Maldives joins all Commonwealth members, spanning the globe, to celebrate cultural diversity, friendship, and common values. The minister said the occasion is a day to reflect on the progress the Commonwealth members have made and celebrate the people who have made it possible. He added it is also time to weigh upon what more can be done to advance their shared priorities.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid said COVID-19 has brought a number of economic issues to the forefront and revealed its shared fragility and brought with it a new set of challenges while also presenting many opportunities. He said the need for more resilient and sustainable growth is greater, while economic recovery is underway, and noted this year’s theme demonstrates the many levels at which Commonwealth members need cooperation to ensure that they achieve their shared goals.
Additionally, Minister Shahid said the Commonwealth-Maldives relations have been wide-ranging and prosperous and have grown to adapt well to the country’s foreign policy priorities over the decades. He highlighted that Maldivians are deeply appreciative of the opportunities they receive, particularly in the fields of environment, education, technology, and sports and joint efforts in echoing and championing the voice and needs of small island developing states (SIDS) is fundamental as well.
Concluding the statement, Minister Shahid said the Maldives is proud to have re-joined the Commonwealth and look forward to enhancing the partnership in finding solutions to its shared challenges through collective action. He said the Commonwealth continues to serve as a beacon of hope and that the Maldives reaffirms its commitment to work with the association to uphold and work together in delivering a common future.