"Bringing globe together for more meaningful climate action, is key of my priorities"

Bringing the world together for more meaningful climate action is the key of priorities, says President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

During a joint press conference held at the President’s Office following the PGA’s courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday morning, Shahid stated that the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to impact the lives and livelihoods across the globe.

Highlighting the pandemic has brought the value of multilateralism and cooperation to the spotlight, PGA Shahid noted that it has also taught the importance of continuing the battle against the virus and the new variants posing continued challenges.

The second thing Shahid noted is to ensure vaccine equity.

With this being said, Shahid stated that Maldives is lucky to have access to vaccine and to fulfill its vision of vaccinating the entire population, as countries across the glob still struggle to access vaccinations, which the PGA described as tragic.

During the presser, President Solih expressed his belief that the UN plays a vital role in assisting in recovery efforts from Covid-19, across the entire globe.

The president went on to commend Shahid’s efforts in resource mobilization in ensuring equitable access to affordable vaccination.

He went on to note that several bodies of the UN had assisted Maldives financially during the initial phase of the pandemic, to which he expressed gratitude.

Upon the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, PGA Shahid arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday morning.

He was received at the Velana International Airport (VIA) by Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Chief of Staff at the President’s Office Ali Zahir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed.