President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid has discussed the importance of multilateralism for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with the Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe.
PGA Shahid met with the PM of São Tomé and Príncipe, Jorge Bom Jesus as part of his recent visit to the country.
The fruitful exchange saw discussions touching down on sustainable tourism and nature conservation, as well as the importance of multilateralism for SIDS.
As part of the visit, PGA Shahid also met with the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for São Tomé and Príncipe Eric Overvest as well as the UN Country Team (UNCT), where he congratulated the latter for its contributions to the national priorities especially in the ongoing process of the country’s graduation from LDC category by 2024.
The PGA arrived in São Tomé and Príncipe as part of his trip to Africa which focused on discussions on the recovery from Covid-19, sustainable tourism and preservation of nature. He was welcomed by the UN Resident Coordinator, Foreign Minister Edite Ten Jua and the country’s PM as well as youth and women MPs and the UN team.
During his interactions with the National Youth Council and women leaders of CSOs engaged in political participation, the PGA received a copy of the country’s Parity Law which reserves 40 percent seats for women in all elected bodies.
‘More women for more development’ is the motto used by the country’s women’s organizations.
As part of the brief visit, the Maldivian foreign minister also expressed deep appreciation of the many initiatives that the country is undertaking to develop sustainably and tackle climate change.
He said this in his remarks at the reception hosted by the UN Resident Coordinator on Thursday.
In his remarks, the PGA expressed appreciation of all the important work the country is doing in the service of global multilateralism and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, both nationally and globally.
I myself am from a small island country, the Maldives. I can relate to many of the challenges that this country is facing. I also know the critical role of the international community, and all relevant stakeholders, in supporting SIDS, and providing tailored assistance suited to their contexts.”Abdulla Shahid, PGA.
PGA Shahid also expressed appreciation over the support provided by that country for his ‘Presidency of Hope’ and expressed confidence that the country will continue to advocate on behalf of global causes and lead by example, on sustainability, on tackling climate and on conservation, among other “important” areas.
PGA Shahid departed from São Tomé and Príncipe after a very productive visit, on Thursday and was seen off at the airport by the country’s foreign minister and UNRC Eric.
As part of his recent visit to Africa, the Maldivian foreign minister was conferred the National Order of Merit of the Gabonese Republic as well.
Taking to Twitter following the ceremony, PGA Shahid revealed that he had been humbled and honored to received Gabon’s National Order of Merit.
