Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as well as the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been conferred the highest honor of the Dominican Republic.

The Maldivian minister was conferred the highest honor of the Dominican Republic during a special ceremony held in the capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo on Saturday.

Conferred to FM Shahid was the Duarte, Sanchez and Mella Order of Merit, Grand Cross, Silver Plate.

The Duarte, Sanchez and Mella Order of Merit was established in 1931 and is named after the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic; Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, and Ramón Matías Mella Castillo.

The Duarte, Sanchez and Mella Order of Merit rewards distinguished services to the country as well as to the international community.

The honor has been conferred by the Dominican Republic to FM Shahid in recognition of his work as the President of the UNGA, through his “Presidency of Hope” comprised of five rays of hope – recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, rebuilding sustainably, responding to the needs of the planet, respecting the human rights of all and revitalizing the UN.

FM Shahid arrived in the Dominican Republic on June 16.

During his visit, the Maldivian minister paid a courtesy call on President Luis Abinader, where discussions were held on the coordination between the United Nations General Assembly and the Dominican Republic.

Discussions also touched on the Dominican Republic’s efforts on achieving sustainable development and addressing climate change.

FM Shahid will also be visiting Hogar del Niño and observing the efforts to develop the Republic’s efforts towards the development of sustainable tourism.