Members from all parties under serious pressure, disturbing to hear from opposition: UK Amb.

British Ambassador to the Maldives, James Dauris has met with officials from the ruling and opposition parties.

He met with MP for Villimale constituency Ahmed Nihan, MP for Gemanafushi constituency MP Jameel Usman and Naifaru constituency MP Ahmed Shiyam from the Progressive Party of Maldives; and opposition coalition officials Jumhooree Party leader and Maamigilli constituency MP Qasim Ibrahim, Kinbidhoo constituency MP Abdulla Riyaz, Henveiru-North constituency MP Abdulla Shahid, Galolhu South constituency MP Ahmed Mahloof, Golhu-North constituency MP Eva Abdulla, Adhaalath Party's Chair of Foreign Relations Committee Shidhatha Shareef and deputy leader of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's faction of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Aminath Nadhira, and Maldives United Opposition (MUO)'s Foreign Relations Committee member Nishana Hassan.

Ambassador Dauris with officials from the ruling party. Photo: Twitter

Following their meeting with the Ambassador, MP Shiyam said that they had "shared the ideas on the importance of working together to achieve the common goals," while MP Nihan thanked Dauris "for the very valuable time".

Noting that it was "good to get PPM MP's perspective at a time when Parliament's independence and members from all parties are under serious pressure," and "about actions that build confidence between ruling and opposition parties when relations get tough."

Following their meeting with Ambassador Dauris, Foreign Relations Committee Chair of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid said that they had briefed the Ambassador "on political developments in Maldives," such as "military occupation of Parliament, arrest and intimidation of MPs."

Dauris said that it was "helpful though disturbing to hear from opposition parties about recent arrests and other problems that many MPs in Maldives are facing".

Meeting with the FM

Ambassador Dauris called on Foreign Minister Asim on Monday. Photo: Foreign Ministry

The Ambassador also called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim on Monday.

According to the Ministry, both parties had discussed "the bilateral relations between Maldives and the United Kingdom, and ways of further strengthening the existing ties, in areas such as counter terrorism, climate change and cooperation in other broader international issues".

Dauris said that he "appreciation" the discussion with the Ambassador "about shared interests and concerns at continuing events of recent days".