Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated that the vision for foreign policy in the year 2020 will be to strategically strengthen diplomatic relations to ensure the security of the region and protect the independence of the Maldives.

While delivering his year's message to the nation, Minister Shahid stated that the new year holds a lot of potential for progress and highlighted that 2020 will mark 55 years since the Maldives gained independence.

He further noted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has achieved many milestones during his first year in office, including returning the nation back to international platforms.

The minister declared that the Maldives has boosted bilateral ties with multiple nations, forged new ties with others, and gained international recognition and respect. Therefore, the vision for foreign policy in 2020 will be to strengthen diplomatic relations further in order to protect the country's independence and ensure regional security.

He added that the Maldives resolves to be one of the leading advocates for international recognition of issues facing small island nations around the globe.

Moreover, he stated that next year's foreign policy aims to open new doors for Maldivians and the Maldives in the international sphere as well as easing services for Maldivians travelling or residing abroad.

He also stated that efforts will be undertaken to uphold the pillars of democracy, as well as to protect and advocate for human rights.

As such, the minister assured that Maldivian diplomacy will become a competent, skilled and professional foreign service that Maldivians will take pride in.

In his concluding remarks, the minister thanked his team for their commitment and hard work.