Vice President Faisal Naseem has paid a courtesy call on the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.

The Maldivian Vice President paid the courtesy call on the UN SG on Friday, as part of his ongoing visit to New York City, United States of America.

During the meeting that took place at the UN Headquarters in NYC, SG Guterres shed light on the “outstanding” role of the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid.

Reciprocating this sentiment, the Maldivian Vice President expressed his admiration as well for PGA Shahid and went on to praise his work.

SG Guterres highlighted that the Maldives is on the frontline of climate action and requires huge investments on this front and expressed his support and solidarity with the Maldives on these matters.

With this being said, VP Naseem spoke on the need of the Maldivian government for increased climate financing.

VP Naseem also discussed the role of developed countries in assisting the Maldives and other vulnerable states in such matters.

Briefing the SG on the economic impacts faced by the Maldives due to the Covid-19 pandemic, VP Naseem applauded the SG for his outstanding leadership throughout the pandemic.

VP Naseem also stressed on the need for every country to put in intensive efforts to battle the pandemic and shed light on the need for financial assistance for the Maldives to overcome the economic impacts of Covid-19.

SG Guterres for his part, expressed his disappointment in the lack of political will from the top economies towards global issues especially those that threaten vulnerable states.

However, he expressed determination to continue fighting for the rights of small and vulnerable nations and expressed his commitment towards climate action.

VP Naseem reiterated his calls for solidified climate action, stressing that there can be no further delays.

He also discussed women’s empowerment and the facilitation of opportunities for youth.

SG Guterres extended his best wishes to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the meeting.

VP Naseem arrived in NYC on the official visit on May 3 and was received at John F. Kennedy International Airport by PGA Shahid.

The Vice President is accompanied by his wife Aishath Shamsadha and a high-level delegation. He attended the UNGA high-level thematic debate on "Putting sustainable and resilient tourism at the heart of an inclusive recovery” as part of the visit, where he delivered an address.

The debate, revolving around the theme "Putting sustainable and resilient tourism at the heart of an inclusive recovery”, was organized in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

VP Naseem and his delegation will conclude their visit to the U.S. and return home on May 11.