President Solih went to UNGA with "an important message from the Maldivian people"

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended the 74th United Nations General Assembly with “an important message from the Maldivian people,” says the additional-secretary at the foreign ministry.

Ameen Javid Faisal said this during an appearance on RaajjeTV’s Fala Surukhee programme on Tuesday night, emphasizing that the message is Maldives’ decision “to re-engage with the international community” in global issues.

As such, he said that the current administration’s foreign policy is framed to promote human rights and democracy, as well as tackling climate change.

He added that this was included in the president’s message to the United Nations.

Further describing Solih’s trip to New York as “a successful one,” Javid noted that this was the first time that the Maldives was accorded a spot to speak on day-one of the general assembly.

While President Solih’s address was the sixth to speak at the assembly, Javid highlighted that this was also a first for the country.

He added that this gave the other countries the opportunity “to listen to what Maldives has to say.”

Javid also stated that Maldives “has accomplished lots” in the past nine months, and that this allows them to predict what can be done in the first two years.

Maldives gradually isolated itself from the international community during former President Abdulla Yameen’s five-year tenure, amid concerns over corruption, undermining rule of law and deteriorating human rights conditions.

While Yameen’s administration also made the decision for Maldives to leave the Commonwealth, in 2016, rejoining the group is a key pledge of incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih; his administration began work to rejoin the organization shortly after assuming office.