President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s cabinet of ministers has on Tuesday made two ratifications.

President’s Office revealed that one of the ratifications was to endorse printing health warning labels on tobacco products, in keeping with the President’s pledge to create public awareness.  

The decision was followed by deliberations presented via paper by the Ministry of Health following which the cabinet had recommended it to President Solih. The recommendation was to print health warning labels on tobacco products, in keeping with his government’s efforts to enhance public awareness on injurious products such as areca nuts, energy drinks, sugary beverages and especially tobacco.

While the procedural guidelines for printing the labels on tobacco products and discontinuing retail sale of individual cigarettes has now been put into effect, the legal procedures have also been completed.

Enhancing public awareness on health issues led by tobacco is one of President Solih’s key pledges to be implemented within his first 100 days in office.

The second ratification was on the SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation and it was made upon the guidance of the Attorney General, revealed the President’s Office.

The agreement will facilitate the Maldives to get assistance for renewable energy projects.

In addition, it will also bring Technical and Technological advancement to Maldives, just like SAARC Member States.