President of Palau, Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. has invited President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to the Seventh Our Ocean Conference.

Both leaders met on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York City.

Discussions revolved around the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, environment and climate change as well as tourism.

The Maldivian president applauded the government of Palau for their prompt response to the pandemic and discussed challenges Maldives faced after borders were closed during March 2020. He noted that Maldives remains determined to vaccinate the entire population as soon as possible.

Highlighting that Covid-19 is well under control in Palau with the closing of borders and that they have not recorded any fatalities or hospital admissions, the President of Palau noted that they have much to learn from the Maldives, on re-opening borders and re-starting the tourism sector.

Shedding light on climate crisis and challenges posed as SIDS, the two leaders noted the common membership of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and expressed confidence to work collaboratively on the international for a to ensure that mitigation policies are effective and to gain momentum.

The leaders also engaged in conversation regarding ensuring sustainable ocean governance and a blue economy.

With this being said, the President of Palau extended an invitation to the Maldivian president to attend the 7th ‘Our Ocean Conference’, slated for 2022. The conference will be held from February 16 – 17.

President Solih went on to applaud the President of Palau for his leadership in advocating for the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming limit, as well as being one of the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement.

Both leaders expressed commitment to work together more closely in the fight against climate change at the upcoming COP26.

Further talks were held on improving tourism cooperation and exchange expertise in sustainable tourism practices.

Diplomatic ties between Maldives and Palau were established on 17 October 2014.