Maldives has called for “accelerated regional and international cooperation” in assisting the most vulnerable members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

A Maldivian delegation participated in the IORA virtual meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) titled Dialogue Partner Engagement on COVID-19: Responses, Cooperation and Partnership, on Thursday.

Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Asim Ahmed delivered the country’s statement at the meeting, and was accompanied by Joint Secretary Fathmath Najwa and Assistant Director Ahmed Salman Zaki.

In his statement, Ambassador Asim briefed the participants on the various precautionary measures taken by the government to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Noting the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as a result of the ongoing pandemic, he noted its “dire effects on the Maldivian economy”.

Hence, the Maldives called “for accelerated regional and international cooperation in assisting the most vulnerable members of the organization, by providing urgent and much needed assistance such as necessary medical and protective equipment”.

The country further called on “dialogue partners to come forward and assist the country in longer-term economic recovery”.

While Maldives was forced to close its borders due to the ongoing crisis, this has had immense impact on the economy given the country’s dependence on the tourism sector.