Maldives forwards request to rejoin Commonwealth

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sent his letter of intent to rejoin the Commonwealth of Nations.

The President’s Office confirmed that the letter was sent to the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General Patricia Scotland on Friday, after the parliament approved the decision.

In the letter, President Solih reiterated his administration’s determination to uphold and practice the principles written in the Charter of the Commonwealth and the Harare Declaration. He also said that the values and principles enshrined in the Commonwealth charter are more vital than ever for the maintenance of amicable relations between nations.

President Solih expressed his belief that his administration’s aim to establish democratic values, good governance, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development cannot be achieved with an isolationist policy.

He also expressed his administration’s eagerness to utilize the country’s experiences as a Small Island Developing State to contribute to important global discussions encompassing such issues as democratic consolidation, and the dangers posed by environmental degradation and climate change.

In the letter, he also highlighted that the Maldives has greatly benefited from the Commonwealth in the past, as a result of the scholarship and sports opportunities provided to aspiring Maldivians, who, subsequent to their experiences abroad, return back to the country with newfound perspectives and technical expertise, and made important contributions for the country.

The Maldives became a member of the Commonwealth in 1982 but left in October 2016 after the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group found that then-President Abdulla Yameen’s administration was guilty of violating the rights of his political rivals and threatened to suspend the Maldives if the situation is not resolved.