President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed hope to work with the government of Cape Verde during the upcoming COP26 summit.

The Maldivian president met with the President of Cabo Verde, Jorge Carlos Fonseca at the UN Headquarters in New York City, on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

During the call, President Fonseca stated that Maldives victory in the 76th UNGA presidential election will encourage other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as it is a proud achievement to a small island state.

Discussions between the two leaders revolved around continued close cooperation to strengthen relations, as well as the situation revolving around the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

While both Maldives and Cape Verde are countries heavily dependent on tourism, the leaders went on to discuss the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on global tourism, going on to shed light on the recovery of tourism and steady surge in arrivals in recent months.

Praising President Fonseca's leadership and interest in climate negotiations while touching down on environmental and climate issues, the Maldivian president shed light on his administration’s commitment to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

In this regard, he expressed hopes to work with the government of Cape Verde at COP26.

Going on to state that both countries face similar challenges as SIDS, the Maldivian president highlighted that mutual cooperation and exchange of knowledge will prove to be valuable for both governments.

Speaking in regards to the significance of multilateralism in order to solve issues facing SIDS, President Fonseca said that south-south cooperation among SIDS is of high value. As such, areas of debt relief, development financing and enhancing commerce may be promoted at international platforms such as the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Maldives established diplomatic ties with Cape Verde on 23 April 2003.