The incumbent President of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, has assured willingness to work with the Maldives to strengthen the multilateral system.

Muhammad-Bande made the statement during a virtual reception held for UN permanent representatives hosted by Maldivian Ambassador to the UN, Thilmeeza Hussain, on the occasion of Maldives’ 55th Independence Day.

Extending best wishes, the UNGA president highlighted Maldives’ commitment to the United Nations “particularly in the effort to build resilient communities and fully implement sustainable development goals.”

Noting that island developed states such as Maldives “continue to make valuable contributions to the multilateral system,” Muhammad-Bande stressed that “the importance of international law for these countries cannot be over emphasized”.

Further reiterating willingness to continue working with the Maldives to “make the multilateral system even stronger,” the UNGA president stated that the United Nations plays a key role “in supporting [island developed states] to achieve their aspirations.”

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the island due to climate change as well as the recovery from Covid-19 pandemic, he expressed confidence that the “long record of good cooperation between Maldives and the United Nations will continue to bear fruiting days ahead and strengthen [the] common resolve to seek the best solutions to the system as a whole.”

Speaking at the reception, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid expresses keenness "to stronger engagement of the Maldives at the United Nations in the months ahead."