The Ministry will continue to work on realizing core foreign policy principles: FM Shahid

The Maldives Foreign Service will continue to work on realizing the country's core foreign policy principles, enhancing outreach, deepening engagement, and making Maldivians proud, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid.

Highlighting that the Maldives Foreign Service is now counting towards its centennial year – its 100th anniversary, Minister Shahid stated that the Service remains committed to deliver for the people of the Maldives.

As such, he noted that the Ministry will continue to engage with all countries, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, paving the way for more assistance, investment, trade, and easier travel.

He noted that the Foreign Service will continue to engage with international organizations, firm in belief in multilateralism, with a view to achieving national interests and enhancing engagement.

Minister Shahid said that they are geared up to facilitate more visitors, and receive high level dignitaries. He anticipated the opening of diplomatic missions of the United States and Australia in the Maldives, will further expand diplomatic corps.

Minister Shahid noted that in 2022, the Foreign Service continued to work with other countries in enhancing investment, development assistance and easier travel. As such he highlighted that the country's diplomats have facilitated up to $3.4 billion in grants, concessional loans, lines of credits and in kind assistance, since November 2018.

The Minister went on to note that the Maldives signed more agreements on visa-free travel, last year. Maldivians can now travel to 86 countries without needing a visa.

Additionally, the Minister noted that Maldives will once again assume membership of the Human Rights Council, including serving as the Council’s Vice President. He said that the priorities on the Council would be around the core foreign policy priorities – human rights, democracy and good governance, and climate action.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister went on to note that this will contribute towards strengthening of national mechanisms and government institutions at all levels to mainstream and uphold human rights.  

Minister Shahid also disclosed that the Maldives will be campaigning for membership of the United Nations Economic and Social Council for the term 2027-2029, and a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2033-2034, furthering the country's multilateral engagement.

He concluded the message by stating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to delivering its core mandate, under the guidance of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in 2023. He described President Solih as the top diplomat of Maldives Foreign Service.