Maldivian FM calls for greater intra-Commonwealth support

Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has called for greater support within the Commonwealth towards areas including good governance.

He made the appeal while speaking at the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting held at Marlborough House, London, on Wednesday.

The meeting brought together foreign ministers from across the Commonwealth to deliberate on and hold an interactive discussion on three topics: “building resilience for peaceful, just and stable societies”, financing for climate-resilient and sustainable development”, and “leveraging intra-Commonwealth trade and digital connectivity”.

At the start of deliberations, Shahid took the opportunity to offer condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Gambian Vice President Badara Alieu Joof, and Ghanian Foreign Minister Michael Moussa Adamo. He also expressed confidence in King Charles III’s commitment to further strengthening the Commonwealth.

Shahid called for strengthened support within the Commonwealth towards areas including good governance, rule of law, stability, economic recovery and relieving debt burdens.

He stressed the need to finalize the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) and called on the Commonwealth to push international financial institutions to adopt the MVI.

Highlighting on the subject of climate change and environmental protection, Shahid acknowledged the role played by the various Commonwealth mechanisms in place to support its member states, including the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, Commonwealth Blue Charter and the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub.

He also called for the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund in the lead up to COP28.

Shahid also met and interacted with a number of Commonwealth foreign ministers on the sidelines of the meeting.

Shahid was accompanied by the Foreign Secretary, Ahmed Latheef; High Commissioner of Maldives to the UK, Dr. Farahanaz Faizal; Joint Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Mariyam Midhfa Naeem; Counsellor at the High Commission of Maldives to the UK, Moosa Yameen Shahid; and Director at the Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Salman Zaki.