Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel has urged enhanced cooperation to overcome common challenges.

He made this appeal while delivering a statement at the First High-level Meeting of the Archipelagic Island States (AIS) Forum on Wednesday.

Revolving around the theme “Fostering Collaboration. Enabling Innovation. For Our Ocean, and Our Future”, the forum is being held in Bali, Indonesia. 

Speaking at the forum, State Minister Khaleel revealed that Maldives supports the elevation of the Archipelagic and Island States Forum to a charter-based organization.

Noting that this step is one that will help enhance collaboration towards advancing shared priorities, Khaleel called for more collaboration within the framework of the AIS forum to combat shared threats for all archipelagic and island states.

These threats include climate change and environmental as well as ocean degradation.

Established in 2018, the AIS Forum serves as a platform that brings together 51 archipelagic and island states to engage in deliberations and discussions revolving around common challenges.

Assistant Director Aminath Shazly Saleem Assistant Director Aishath Rayaahyn and Senior Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mariyam Ahushaau accompanied State Minister Khaleel at the forum.