Discussions have been held regarding enhancing tourism cooperation between Maldives and Guyana.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfan Ali at the UN Headquarters in New York City, on the sidelines of this ongoing visit to the states to attend the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Sharing the unwelcome impacts of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on Maldives tourism industry, especially after the closing of borders led to socioeconomic repercussions and a complete halt on foreign currency flow, the Maldivian president highlighted the increase in tourist arrivals since the reopening of borders, especially in the recent months.

With this being said, President Solih expressed hope to further enhance tourism cooperation with Guyana and advance sustainable tourism in both countries.

Discussions also touched down on other issues of mutual interest as both countries are Small Island Developing States (SIDS), members of the Commonwealth, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Extending gratitude to the aid and support extended to the government on multilateral platforms, especially during the 76th UNGA presidential election, the Maldivian president expressed hope to continue strengthening bilateral relations between both countries, which the Guyanese President backed.

Regarding the climate crisis as one of the most urgent global issues currently, both leaders agreed to collaborate in the international arena to secure solid mitigation strategies and climate resilience for SIDS, as leaders of the AOSIS countries.

Further, the leaders discussed advocacy and action at the upcoming COP26 conference to be held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.