The Minister of State for South and Central Asia, the United Nations (UN), the Commonwealth and the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict of the United Kingdom (UK), Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon has paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The call was held on Saturday afternoon, at Felivaru island in Lhaviyani atoll, one of the president’s stops on his ongoing tour of six islands of Lhaviyani atoll.

The meeting also saw President Solih shedding light on the services provided by the resident mission of UK in the Maldives over the past few years.

Highlighting issues linked to women and children in Maldives as well as the numerous achievement made in this area, the president assured that the administration is committed to continue to empower women and children, in the future as well.

Going on to touch down on the other rising concerns across the island nation such as religious extremism, the president recalled the 6 May 2021 assasination attempt on the Speaker of Parliament and Former President Mohamed Nasheed. He described it to be a wake-up call for the Maldives to the growing threats of extremism and terrorism.

The president went on to express his administration’s interest to expand economic horizons, and also spoke regarding easing tariffs on Maldives’ fish exports.

Other topics discussed at the meeting included the challenges caused by climate change facing small island developing states like the Maldives.

The Maldivian president extended his support towards the UK government’s commitment to reform the Commonwealth and make the organization work for everyone.

The meeting concluded by the president and Lord Ahmad reaffirming their shared commitment to continue collaboration for the common welfare of the citizens of both Maldives and UK.