The newly appointed Ambassador of Cuba to the Maldives, Her Excellency Juana Elena Ramos Rodriguez, called on the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr, Mohamed Muizzu, today.

At the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this morning, Acting Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu congratulated Ambassador Rodriguez on her appointment and expressed hope that the Ambassador would further reinforce the strong bilateral ties and cooperation between Maldives and Cuba. Minister Muizzu and Ambassador Rodriguez exchanged views on further enhancing cooperation between both countries and reflected on ways for strengthening the existing ties in areas of mutual interest.

Ambassador Rodriguez assured Minister Muizzu of her willingness and commitment to work with the Government of Maldives to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Acting Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was accompanied by Foreign Secretary, His Excellency Ahmed Sareer and Joint Secretary, Ms. Fathimath Najwa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


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Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Asim met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, H.E. Mr. Augusto Santos Silva this afternoon. During this meeting both Ministers discussed ways of consolidating relations between the Maldives and Portugal, in bilateral and multilateral arena.

 As co-facilitator of the United Nations Oceans Conference held in New York in June 2017, Minister Augusto described oceans, preservation of marine life and climate change as core areas, the Maldives and Portugal can collaborate in the multilateral arena.  Stating that the Portugal organizes Oceans Conferences every year, Minister Augusto mentioned, that as a Small Island Developing State, Maldives can share and gain experiences on how to address adverse effects of climate change, in such Conferences. Minister Asim described Maldives as one of the first countries to ratify Paris Agreement and stressed on the advocacy role Maldives plays as the Chair of Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Minister Asim stressed on the Maldives’ achievements in the areas of fisheries, tourism and infrastructure. In this regard, both Ministers discussed ways in which Maldives and Portugal can collaborate in fisheries and tourism sectors.

Minister Asim and Minister Augusto both reiterated their commitment to work closely on bilateral issues of mutual interest and to work closely in international forums, as advocates of oceans and climate change.

The Maldives established diplomatic relations with the Portugal on 9 February 1995. This is the first official visit of Minister Asim to the Portugal since he assumed office. He was accompanied by Ms. Samahath Zuhuree, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Asim has delivered a statement at the 4th World Form of Local Economic Development, held in Cabo Verde today. Minister Asim delivered the statement in the Plenary Session of the Forum under the theme, “Building sustainable cities for locally-rooted investment, decent jobs, services and inclusive growth.”

 In his statement, the Minister stressed on the need to build sustainable cities to attract investments. He mentioned that building sustainable cities is deeply rooted in societies which is based on providing basic services to the people, while keeping a focus in the environment. Sharing the achievements of the Maldives in the domestic arena, Minister Asim stated that a multitude of harbours, infrastructure projects and basic services has already been initiated in a number of islands. 

Highlighting on the progressive growth Maldives has achieved over the years, Minister Asim mentioned the sustainable development policies it has employed in key economic sectors. In this regard, he highlighted the pole and line fishing practiced in the fishing industry, and the establishment of safeguards to minimize the environmental impact of tourism. Minister Asim reiterated the commitment of the Government of Maldives in working with the partner countries and other organizations in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect, towards creating more developmental and investment opportunities in the country.

In continuing his statement, Minister Asim described financing for development as a major obstacle for small island states and small scale economies like the Maldives. He described climate change and sea-level rise as a threat to the very existence of small island states and stressed on the Maldives’ advocacy role in climate change as the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Cabo Verde, for the special focus on the Small Island Developing States in the Forum.

With reference to the achievements of the Maldives in the international arena, Minister Asim stated that the Maldives has completed two successful terms on the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2010 to 2016, where a number of initiatives were put forward on environment and climate change.

In concluding his remarks, Minister Asim once again thanked the Government and the people of Cabo Verde for hosting the Forum and expressed his interest in following up on the meeting’s deliberations contributing to the overall progress of our countries’ social and economic development.

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