President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged member states of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to amp up efforts to ensure the protection of human rights as well as addressing the climate emergency.

As part of his ongoing visit to Maldives, SAARC Secretary General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday morning, where the pair engaged in discussions regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, battling terrorism, violence against women and girls, climate change as well as human rights.

Applauding SAARC’s efforts during the pandemic, the president shed light on the critical role it continues to play in strengthening regional collaboration among member states.

With this being said, President Solih reaffirmed Maldives’ commitment to SAARC cooperation.

Further, President Solih also expressed his keen interest to cooperate with SAARC in the fight against terrorism and violence against girls, going on to urge all members states to work harder to ensure human rights are protected.

The president added that all member states should collaborate to address the climate emergency as well.

The meeting saw the SAARC SG thanking President Solih for the warm welcome and congratulating him and the Maldives National Football Team for their victory in the ongoing “Ooredoo SAFF Championship 2021”.

SG Weerakoon also applauded the government’s ongoing “Covid-19 Dhifaau” inoculation drive, saying that the country serves as an “example” to others when it comes to vaccination against coronavirus.

The call concluded with both parties giving assurance to remain committed to further enhance the existing ties and collaboration to achieve mutually beneficial results.

The Secretary General SAARC, who assumed office as the 14th SAARC SG during March 2020, arrived in the Maldives on October 9 on an introductory visit and will conclude his visit on October 13.

SAARC SG Weerakoon is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on a number of government officials during his visit.

Weerakoon is accompanied by spouse Krishanti Weerakoon and Director, Social Affairs Division at SAARC Secretariat, Ismail Mamdhooh.