Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 140

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Moosa Zameer sends message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, Alberto Van Klaveren, on the occasion of their Independence Day.

Minister’s message reads as follows:

“It gives me great pleasure to convey warm greetings and best wishes, on behalf of the Government, the people of Maldives, and my own behalf, to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Chile on the occasion of your Independence Day.

It is my earnest hope that the cooperation between our two countries will continue to deepen, both in the bilateral and multilateral fora.

Let me also extend my best wishes for your good health and well-being and for the prosperity of the people of Chile.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

 ^{SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs}

On the occasion of the Constitution Day of Nepal, His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his warmest felicitation and heartiest congratulations to the President, the Rt Honourable Ramachandra Paudel, and the Prime Minister, the Rt Honourable K.P. Sharma Oli of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

In separate letters sent to the President and Prime Minister of Nepal, President Dr Muizzu expressed appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the Maldives and Nepal and emphasised confidence that bilateral ties will be strengthened further in the years to come.

The Constitution Day in Nepal commemorates the new constitution enacted on September 20, 2015.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Ministry of Health has launched “Maaharaa Portal” for reporting patient safety concerns. The portal was officially inaugurated by former Minister of Health Dr. Aminath Jameel at a special ceremony held to commemorate the World Patient Safety Day.

The portal can be utilised by individuals to report complaints and concerns pertaining to the challenges they face when seeking health services. The Ministry of Health emphasised that this initiative would play a pivotal role in maintaining public trust and improving the provision of services. The portal was created with the assistance provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Dr. Abdulla Khaleel stated that this initiative will serve as a golden opportunity for health service providers to offer, and patients to receive quality services.

The minister stated that the treatment and safety of patients must be the top priority when providing health care services.

According to statistics released by WHO, 16% of patients’ conditions worsened due to failure to correctly identify their situation. Furthermore, the minister called on the private health care service providers to enhance and expedite treatment systems. He said that this move will not only help to treat patients faster, but also reduce expenditure.

SOURCE : PSM

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that the National Islamic Library will be established in January next year. He made the statement during a media briefing on the ministry’s activities.

Speaking to the media, Minister Shaheem noted that the former library at the Islamic Centre in Male’ City had been closed and its books stored away last year. As such, he plans to rectify this by establishing a new national Islamic library at the King Salman Mosque.

Additionally, Minister Shaheem said that the new facility will be designed with modern amenities to facilitate research, and the ministry aims to have it operational before January. He stated that the libraries will be set up in various Islamic centres, including those in Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ungoofaaru in Raa Atoll, Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Hithadhoo in Addu City, and Fuvahmulah City. He added that the goal is to complete these libraries by the end of next year.

Furthermore, Minister Shaheem emphasised the government’s efforts to enhance Islamic affairs in the Maldives. He referenced President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for intellectual rather than only material development, as outlined in his manifesto. He also outlined the ministry’s commitment to the President’s vision.

Moreover, Minister Shaheem discussed the Imam training project, initiated in response to a noticeable shortage of imams across various islands. To address this, he said that the government has implemented a special curriculum, training 402 imams so far. He also expressed optimism about the future of Islamic affairs in the Maldives.

SOURCE : PSM

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy has announced that Singapore-based company Chi Energie Private Limited has submitted a proposal to establish a Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)-based power generation network in the Maldives.

The environment ministry said that Chi Energie presented the proposal during a meeting with Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, along with other ministry officials. The proposal outlines the development of a power generation network using modular LNG technology in the Maldives. The ministry also highlighted that this system would significantly enhance the country’s energy sector while promoting environmentally friendly electricity generation.

LNG is a natural resource extracted from underground and is widely used in electricity generation across many countries. The method is considered more environmentally friendly compared to burning fuel. The government aims to reduce reliance on fuel-based electricity generation and shift towards renewable energy sources. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has committed to transitioning 33% of the country’s energy to renewable sources by the end of his term.

SOURCE : PSM

Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology Dr. Mohamed Kinaanath has revealed plans to enhance the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) and the digital identity card (Efaas), with the assistance of the World Bank. He made the statement during a press conference held to provide information on the Digital Maldives Adaptation, Decentralisation and Diversification Project, carried out with the World Bank’s support.

Addressing the media, State Minister Dr. Kinaanath stated that the World Bank has provided USD 10 million as financial support for the project. The funds will be utilised to cover expenses for four administrative bodies. He stated that the funds allocated for NCIT will be carefully utilised to enhance the centre and further develop Efaas.

The funds will be allocated for various purposes. As such, USD 0.5 million has been allocated to cover the administrative costs of the project, USD 3 million for the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, USD 2.6 million for the NCIT, USD 3 million for the Department of National Registrations and USD 0.9 million for the Communications Authority of Maldives.. The Projects Director Dr. Ibrahim Waheed revealed that the practical works of the projects had commenced this year. He stated that the results of the project will be visible from 2027 onwards.

Maldives and the World Bank signed an agreement to carry out the Digital Maldives Adaptation, Decentralisation and Diversification Project, on July 4, 2022. Several initiatives will be undertaken under the projects, including the development of a framework to build people. It will also provide assistance to draft legislations.

SOURCE : PSM

Managing Director of Business Centre Corporation (BCC) Ibrahim Ziyau has stated that the Creative Economic Action Plan will be a promising initiative, bringing hope to the youth. The Creative Economic Action Plan and the Creative Economy Fund were inaugurated by the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed at a special ceremony held at Dharubaaruge.

Following the launch of the action plan, the government stated that efforts will be exerted to identify the objectives related to the development of a creative economy and ensure its implementation. The government further disclosed that the action plan was drafted such that it includes the 78 pledges outlined in the president’s manifesto.

Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director Ziyau expressed gratitude to parties that provided support in drafting the action plan, especially the ministries representing the National Creative Economy and members of the National Creative Economy. He noted that the action plan will be a promising one for those involved in the field, bringing hope to the youth.

The Creative Economy Fund, launched under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s policy of developing a creative economy, aims to provide financial assistance to innovative and skilled individuals. As such, BCC, leading the fund, announced a financial assistance ranging from MVR 50,000 - MVR 300,000 to individuals requesting support. The funds will be provided to individuals working in four primary fields; film production, music production, the field of arts and crafts and digital content creation.

SOURCE : PSM

Initially, the nomination period was from June 9 to July 4, with the awards ceremony set for August 12. The ministry reopened the nomination window from September 10 to 19 after postponing the awards ceremony and has now further extended the deadline to 1400hrs on September 26. Submissions will be accepted on official working days from 0830 to 1400hrs, with island residents able to submit via email at info@youth. gov.mv. 

The Youth Awards are open to individuals aged 18-35. This year’s awards will be presented in 17 categories, including: 

• Business and Economy 

• Arts and Cultural Revival 

• Anti-Drug Initiatives 

• Charity Work 

• Vocational Training 

• Mental Health Advocacy 

• Environmental Efforts 

• Fisheries 

• Agriculture 

• Advocacy for Gender Equality 

• Support for Individuals with Special Needs 

• Youth Empowerment 

• Health and Wellness 

• Language Revitalization 

• Technical Skills and Innovation 

• International Achievement in Sports 

• Shaheed Jawad Umar Memorial Shield 

The Youth Awards recognise and encourage the contributions of young individuals to national development, aiming to inspire them to be productive and responsible members of society. The awards have been held annually in the Maldives since 2016. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) is showcasing the Maldives’ diverse range of holiday experiences to the French market in IFTM Top Resa 2024, taking place from 17th to 19th September in Paris, France. Aiming to capture the attention of key travel buyers, covers all trade segments such as business, leisure and MICE. A total of 35 representatives from 21 companies from the Maldivian tourism sector are participating in this year’s event alongside Visit Maldives. 

The Maldives stand at this year’s event, spanning 121 sqm, is designed to reflect our destination’s unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and natural beauty. The stand highlights the luxury resorts, rich marine life, and the natural allure of the Maldives, along with our unique honeymoon and underwater experiences. The Maldives stand also features a display of local food and promotional videos showcasing the country’s breathtaking landscapes, sustainable practices, and world-class hospitality. 

The activities being conducted at IFTM Top Resa 2024 to engage with travel trade partners and potential agents include scheduled meetings with travel trade partners, marketing agencies, and media outlets. A raffle offering free holidays in the Maldives, sponsored by Brennia Kottefaru, Joy Island Maldives by The Cocoon Collection, and Robinson Noonu Maldives, is also set to take place at the stand, adding to the interactive experience for visitors. To participate in this raffle giveaway, consumers can participate in the surveys being conducted at the Maldives stand.

A Press Pack in French is also being distributed to provide updated information to trade representatives and to reinforce the Maldives’ strategic positioning in the market. 

With 35,202 tourist arrivals from France recorded as of August 2024, the French market holds a significant position, ranking 8th in terms of arrivals to the Maldives. MMPRC is focused on increasing arrivals in the luxury, family holiday, and sustainability segments through our ongoing promotional campaigns and marketing activities for the French Market. The ongoing global campaign “Discover Maldives” Webinar series that started with the French market is a highlight of our activities targeting French travellers. 

Upcoming activities aimed at boosting the Maldives’ presence in France include a media familiarisation trip, continuation of “VeryChic” JMP campaign, “Discover Maldives” Webinar Series, and participation in the prestigious ILTM Cannes. Throughout these efforts, Visit Maldives is continuously working to strengthen our brand in France and ensure the Sunny Side of Life remains a top-of-mind destination for French travellers. 

SOURCE: PSM