The Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives government’s commitment to partnering with the Commonwealth community to confront and address shared obstacles. He conveyed this sentiment in a greeting message sent on the occasion of this year’s Commonwealth Day. Dr. Muizzu emphasized that this year’s Commonwealth Day holds particular significance, offering an opportune moment to rally the spirit of unity towards ensuring a prosperous and resilient future. He also highlighted the celebration of the rich diversity, common values, and norms advocated in the Commonwealth Charter.
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Acknowledging the Commonwealth as a crucial ally for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives, Dr. Muizzu underscored its role as a staunch advocate for climate action, enhanced financial access, gender equality, expanded trade, and resilience building, deeming these factors highly significant. He pointed out the alignment between the theme of this year’s Commonwealth Day, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth,” and the interests of the Maldivian government.
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The president stated, “The Commonwealth is an important partner for Small Island Developing States such as the Maldives. It has been a strong advocate for climate action, increased and simplified access to finance, gender equality, increased trade and building resilience, all of which are significantly important. This is why this year’s theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth” resonates with our interests”.
Dr. Muizzu also reflected on the Commonwealth’s journey over 75 years, recognizing unified efforts that have prioritized sustainable development and placed people at its core. He highlighted its role in addressing vulnerabilities and fulfilling shared commitments. Expressing appreciation for collaborative endeavors, Dr. Muizzu thanked the Commonwealth for its dedication to finding solutions to shared challenges, particularly in anticipation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa later this year.
Notably, he reaffirmed the administration’s pledge to collaborate within the Commonwealth family, seeking innovative approaches to address common challenges and pave the way for a shared future. He stated, “We are also grateful for the Commonwealth’s commitment to find solutions to shared challenges in the lead up to, during and beyond the Commonwealth Heads of the Government Meeting in Samoa later this year. The Maldives reaffirms its commitment to working within the Commonwealth family to explore new ways to address common challenges, as we pave the road for a common future and commonwealth.”
The Maldives became a member of the Commonwealth in 1982, but left the organization in 2016. On Saturday, February 1, 2020, the little island country officially re-joined the Commonwealth. Following the approval of the Maldives’ bid for re-admission, the Commonwealth welcomed it as the 54th family member. Further, Maldives’ reintegration into the Commonwealth on 1st February 2020, following a four-year hiatus, symbolized the commitment of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration to collaborate with the international community and fulfill pledges to the people in good faith.
