President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s trip to New York City, where the United Nations is headquartered, to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), is undoubtedly one that will incur significant expenses for the state.

Prior to his departure, an issue involving a payment of USD 50 million that the Maldives requires to settle, also made the spotlight.

Fortunately, thanks to neighboring India’s generosity, the settlement of the USD 50 million Treasury Bill was extended and for now, the matter has been resolved.

At a time the island nation is burdened with a fragile financial situation, officials in foreign affairs have described Hajj pilgrimage season in new NYC as a time when hotel prices and service costs skyrocket.

The expenses Maldivian citizens will have to bear for the president and his massive delegation’s trip will be significant.

According to those familiar with such destinations, even at the lowest rate, hotels will charge about USD 500 per person, per day. An experienced New York traveler estimated that the president’s trip could cost very close to MVR 10 or 12 million.

Regardless of the expenditure, if it brings great benefit to the Maldives, yields double the investment, or if it earns the country special respect in the international sphere, there is obviously no room for concern. There's no need to complain about the expenses. However, is that the case?

The government tried to portray the president’s trip as a “great Eid” for Maldivians.

However, no matter how impressive the graphics are or how polished his speeches are, they do not serve as a measure of success for taxpayers.

One of the most important purposes for a president to go to the UN is to enhance the country's prestige on the global stage, enhance relationships with other countries and to demonstrate the respect and honor other parties have for the Maldives.

A reliable source reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives made several attempts to elevate the president’s trip in this regard.

They are to have requested several meetings with multiple missions and attempted to showcase the Maldivian president alongside several dignitaries. However, the outcomes did not meet the expectations.

According to information provided by the UN’s official website, heads of states from 87 countries attended UNGA 79. Muizzu was only able to meet with one of them; President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas. No other meetings could be arranged.

Muizzu was able to meet a crown prince-level official though, the Crown Prince of Kuwait. This endeavor was a 100 percent success and the meeting was held.

28 Prime Ministers came to New York as the top leaders of their governments. Among them, only one met with Muizzu; the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Delegates from 13 countries participated at the Foreign Minister level. President Muizzu met with only five Foreign Ministers.

Despite extensive preparations for such a high-level visit and spending several days in the states with such a high-level delegation, there have been no signs of meetings with any named officials from the U.S. government. This shortcoming was somewhat compensated by a meeting held with the USAID Administrator.

It is good that the Maldivian president met with the UN Secretary-General.

However, while attending the GA, he did not meet with the UNGA President.

RaajjeMV understands that efforts to get an appointment to meet with the President of the GA during the trip to NYC were unsuccessful.

Muizzu was seen participating in many side events during this trip including events organized by the Maldives alone and events co-organized with other countries.

A side event is just that, a side event. It does not yield significant results. It's a form of promotion in one way. Considering the expenses involved, experts believe it was not worth organizing on one's own initiative unless absolutely necessary.

The rewarded individuals tirelessly working to promote the president’s trip are proudly reporting that he is the first Maldivian President to address the UN Security Council. This is true. Muizzu is the first Maldivian president to deliver a speech at the UN Security Council. However, Muizzu is not the first Maldivian to participate in a Security Council debate.

Like any other country, Maldives has participated in and delivered statements at the Security Council's general debates many times through registration. On each of these occasions, if the president at the time wished, they could have done so. However, in matters where it suffices to say what needs to be said on behalf of the country, presidents have opted not to attend.

Maldives has previously voiced its position in the Security Council in even stronger terms than those delivered by the incumbent president.

Those who know this best, and those who have spoken in the council before, are also included in the president’s delegation.

On the other hand, experts have also noted that it was a visible shortcoming that no other head of state was present in the chamber when the President of Maldives addressed the Security Council.

In addition to this, the 'Presidential Statement on Leadership for Peace' unanimously adopted by the Security Council on September 25, did not include any of the proposals made by the Maldivian president. Neither his name nor any of his contributions were mentioned.

So, trying so hard to portray this as a medal-worthy achievement has become particularly embarrassing.