Discussions have been held on easing the financial burden for developing states as the globe rebuilds and recovers from Covid-19.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih engaged in discussions with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the 76th UN General Assembly.

President Solih congratulated UNSG Guterres on his re-elections and applauded his exemplary leadership during the Covid-19 crisis.

Further, he expressed gratitude to the UN for initiating the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund which will extend much needed support to countries globally, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Stressing the importance of collective actions to end the pandemic by supporting initiatives such as COVAX that ensure unbiassed distribution of Covid-19 vaccination all over the world, the Maldivian president briefed the UNSG on the island nation’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.

He also touched down on his administration’s priorities to vaccinate the entire resident population of Maldives and expressed pride in the government having successfully curbed the spread of the virus, which however, came at a great cost to the country’s economy. With this being said, a major portion of the national revenues are dedicated to health emergency management.

Going on to address concerns regarding climate change, the president stated that it is becoming very clear that countries in special circumstances especially SIDS, need international support and assistance to recover from the existential threat of climate change.

During the meeting, UNSG Guterres shed light on the significance of easing financial burden on developing countries in the face of the ongoing global pandemic.

He went on to assure his full support to the Maldives in the efforts to rebuild and recover from Covid-19.

President Solih expressed gratitude and support to UNSG Guterres for the work the United Nations is doing in battling the pandemic, under his leadership.