President: Early intervention has enabled Maldives to enter recovery stage

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Monday that early government intervention in response to the coronavirus pandemic has enabled Maldives to enter the recovery stage.

He made the remark while delivering his speech at a virtual reception hosted by the Foreign Affairs Ministry for foreign diplomats to celebrate Maldives’ 55th Independence Day.

In his speech, President Solh noted that the Independence Day this year came as Maldives faces extraordinary challenges due the coronavirus pandemic.

“The world is still feeling the effects of the virus and the Maldives is no exception. Covid-19 threatens to undo the socio-economic strides we have made since independence, and has forced us to make difficult decisions, including closing our borders for months, despite our heavy reliance on tourism,” reads a statement released by the President’s Office which references his remarks at the reception.

President Solih said that his administration had responded quickly to the threat, and that Maldives is now on the road to recovery.

“The President expressed that early and comprehensive government interventions have enabled the Maldives to enter the recovery stage,” reads a statement released by the President’s Office which references his remarks at the reception.

President Solih said that the support and goodwill of the international community remained vital to Maldives’ national resilience efforts.

Maldives had suspended the issuance of on arrival visa and closed its borders as the global pandemic situation worsened, on March 27, cutting off the country from its main source of income – tourism. The country remained closed to international travellers for nearly four months before finally reopening its borders on July 15.

In his speech on Monday, President Solih stressed that Maldives needs visitors to reinvigorate their tourism industry.

He said that the health and safety of tourists remained Maldives’ top priority, and that effective precautionary measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of tourists.

President Solih also promised to continue working with the international issues on global issues, including recovering from the coronavirus pandemic and climate change.

“While the Maldives cherishes its independence we equally value being a contributing member of the global community,” reads a statement released by the President’s Office which references his remarks at the reception.