Discussions have been held regarding the prioritization of tourism cooperation in Covid-19 recovery plans, between the Maldives and Switzerland.

On the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ) in New York City.

Discussions between the two leaders touched down on issues of mutual concern of the two countries including the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, tourism cooperation as well as counter-terrorism.

The Swiss President was briefed on the Maldivian government’s successful efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus and reopen borders for tourist arrivals, nearly four months since borders were closed on 27 March 2020.

With this being said, both leaders discussed on ways through which tourism cooperation in Covid-19 recovery plans may be extended. President Solih and President Parmelin expressed keen interest to establish a mechanism to issue Covid-19 travel certificates on a reciprocal basis.

Shedding light on the government’s phase-out plan for single-use plastics, President Solih detailed the plan to address marine plastic pollution in the country.

Discussions also revolved around climate emergency and the Maldivian president applauded the European Union’s leadership in addressing climate financing issues facing the globe.

The Swiss President went on to highlight the urgency of committing to reduce emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and net zero by 2050, with which the Maldivian President also expressed hope that Maldives and other vulnerable countries will be able to cooperate with international communities to gain equal and better access to climate financing.

Both leaders reiterated commitment to collaborate bilaterally and with international partners to combat terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms as well as to work together on enhancing the ties between both countries.

Maldives established diplomatic relations with Switzerland on 23 June 1981.