Parliament grants approval for Maldives to join OACPS

Parliament has provided its approval for Maldives to join the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had asked for parliamentary approval to join OACPS back in January.

The Parliament granted its approval with the unanimous consensus of all parliamentarians who took part in the vote on Wednesday afternoon.

The OACPS is an organization formed by the Georgetown Agreement in 1975. The objectives of the organization include sustainable development, poverty reduction and ensuring greater integration of member countries within the world’s economy.

Maldivian government believes participation in the organization would strengthen Maldives' relations with Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, and allow Maldives to play a larger role in international forums on issues of national interest, such as climate change, and secure funding for development projects.

It is also expected to contribute to improved cooperation between the OACPS and European Union institutions, easing negotiations for better prices for Maldivian fish exports and to obtain Schengen visas for travel.

Maldives’ entry into OACPS will make it the 80th member state.