Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 147

Maldives has filed the Declaration of Intervention in the case filed by South Africa in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the state of Israel regarding the genocide in Gaza Strip.

Attorney General Ahmed Usham announced the decision on Tuesday. In a statement released, the Attorney General’s Office stated that, as the Agent of the Republic of Maldives, the Office had filed the Declaration of Intervention of the Republic of Maldives, pursuant to Article 63(2) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, in the case of the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The case was submitted to the ICJ by South Africa on 29 December 2023. South Africa alleged that Israel’s acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza have violated the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention).

The statement added that Maldives focused its intervention on the proper construction of the provisions concerning the incitement to commit genocide and the duty to punish the incitement of genocide in Articles I, III, IV and VI of the Genocide Convention, and also intervenes on the proper construction of Articles II and IX of the Genocide Convention.

The statement further noted that while the intervention is limited in nature, it follows the Government of Maldive’s stance of condemning Israel’s multiple, serious violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which amounts to genocide and apartheid.

Most recently, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated in his address at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly that “…the ongoing massacre – the genocide – by Israel in Gaza is a travesty of justice and the international system… Israel must be held accountable for these acts of terrorism, for these violations of international law and UN resolutions.”

The Maldives reiterated the callon Israel to halt its genocidal war against Palestine and called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. The Maldives further confirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their inalienable rights, including the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

SOURCE : Attorney General’s Office

Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), Ahmed Munawwar, has announced plans to launch an open market operation in November aimed at reducing excess money circulating in the banking system. He stated that the MMA board has approved this initiative to address the surplus liquidity. 

The MMA reported that the previous government printed Maldivian Rufiyaa equivalent to approximately USD 534 million over three years—an amount significantly higher than that of the previous 40 years. This, economists warned, has negatively impacted the economy. 

Governor Munawwar explained that the MMA’s objective is to reduce the money supply resulting from this previous printing. While he acknowledged that the government’s cash flow may be impacted, he emphasised that expert advice supports the necessity of this step. MMA plans to implement this reduction gradually, aiming for a target range between USD 325 million and USD 390 million in the market. 

The increased money supply within the banking system was initially justified by the previous government as a response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Money continued to be printed even as the economy began recovering in 2022 and 2023, leading to a heightened demand for foreign currency in the market. 

Economists argue that rampant money printing was a key factor in the economic stagnation toward the end of the last administration, noting that the then-ruling party, the MDP, granted the government the authority to print money without limits. They caution that such practices are particularly dangerous for a small economy like the Maldives. 

SOURCE : PSM

The Maldives participated in the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS (D-ISIS) today, hosted by the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken in Washington, D.C. This marked the Maldives’ inaugural participation in the D-ISIS Ministerial, following its formal membership to the Coalition in August 2023. 

The country’s engagement in this critical forum underscores its enduring and firm commitment to the global fight against Daesh/ISIS and all forms of terrorism, which threaten the peace, security, and stability of all nations. 

The Maldives reiterated its unwavering belief that terrorism must never be associated with any religion, nationality, or ethnicity. At the Ministerial Meeting, the Maldives reaffirmed its commitment to fostering global security, promoting dialogue, and advancing the shared aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous world. 

The Maldives was represented by His Excellency Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Ambassador of Maldives to the United States. 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr Aishath Shiham, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the health and happiness of the elderly population. In an interview with PSM News marking International Day of the Elderly, she highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for senior citizens to share their experiences and skills. 

Minister Dr Shiham stated that the primary goal was to promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of all Maldivians. At the time, statistics revealed that approximately five percent of the population, or over 20,000 individuals, were classified as senior citizens. 

She described senior citizens as the custodians of past experiences and wisdom, noting that society must be prepared to honour and support them. The Minister acknowledged the love and care that families, communities, and organisations already provided to older adults. 

The government was actively working on establishing elderly centres across the nation as part of its broader vision. Minister Dr Shiham expressed optimism that these initiatives would yield positive outcomes, helping older individuals lead healthier, more engaged lives. 

She noted that as people age, it is essential to focus on nutrition, exercise, social interaction, and mental health to maintain overall wellness. The Minister urged families to prioritise the health and well-being of their elderly members, ensuring they received the care and attention they deserved. 

SOURCE : PSM

With the aim to modernise, further expand and sustain the “Maldivian Seaplane” business operated by Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to establish a strategic partnership between IASL and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). This joint venture holds the promise of significant growth and development for the seaplane services under this partnership.

The President decided to establish a joint venture company with MACL under the complete control of IASL by April 30, 2025, and to submit the necessary decisions to the Economic Council. The decision was taken after the Cabinet discussed a paper submitted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources on September 30, to diversify the Maldives’ economy and increase the benefits of marine resources. 

Among the decisions taken were the designation of certain zones as mariculture development zones, generally open to foreign investments, for establishing mariculture enterprises in the country, construction of hatcheries and rearing hatchery species in aquatic environments. The zones designated are: 

1. Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani Atolls Mariculture Zone 

2. Raa Atoll Mariculture Zone 

3. Meemu Atoll Mariculture Zone 

4. Thaa Atoll Mariculture Zone 

In addition, 73 hectares of land about 7 km south of the Vaadhoo Strait will be designated as an area for commercial-scale reef fish farming. This includes establishing rules to be followed in leasing zones designated for mariculture. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has announced a vital partnership with with 1000UT, targeting the Central and Eastern European market. 

In a statement released, the Corporation stated that they had successfully hosted a dedicated Destination B2B networking event in Budapest, Hungary, on 26 September 2024. Along with Visit Maldives, six representatives from three companies in the Maldives tourism industry participated in the event, namely Robinson Maldives, Kandima Maldives, and Intour Maldives. 

This event aimed to strengthen the Maldives’ brand presence in the Central and Eastern European marke, connecting potential agents and buyers in the region. 

Partnering with 1000UT, one of Hungary’s largest tour operators since 2001, Visit Maldives brought together 40 Hungarian travel agents to explore the Maldives as a premier destination. The event took place at UP Hotel Budapest and featured presentations from destination partners. These presentations provided Hungarian travel agents with valuable insights about the Maldives tourism industry, allowing them to experience the destination firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of our diverse offerings, along with the specific products and services of the participating properties. 

“Together with 1000UT, we were delighted to host this B2B event in Hungary,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of MMPRC. “The Maldives has seen a steady increase in arrivals from Eastern Europe, and this event highlighted our commitment to further strengthening our relationship with the Hungarian travel trade.” 

Attendees had ample time to network and discuss business opportunities with Maldives tourism partners during this one-day event, prominently highlighting our unique experiences and offerings. Connectivity was also explored, with Qatar Airways and Fly Dubai presenting their connectivity options from Budapest to the Maldives. The event also included a dedicated mini workshop that delved into the specific aspects of Robinson Maldives, Kandima Maldives, and Intour Maldives. 

The emerging Eastern European market holds great potential for the Maldives tourism industry. As of 31 August 2024, a total of 12,500 tourist arrivals from Hungary were recorded. 

Visit Maldives stated that the agency seeks to reinforce the Maldives’ top-of-mind position in the market, establish strong connections with potential agents, and drive increased arrivals from Hungary to the Maldives across various segments. 

The agency reported that upcoming events such as the CEE Roadshow 2024 and the CEE Discover Maldives Webinar Series, would contribute to the Maldives’ growing popularity among travellers from the Central and Eastern European regions. 

SOURCE : MMPRC

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel has sent greetings to His Excellency Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, on the occasion of the 75th National Day of the People’s Republic of China. 

In his message, Minister Dr Khaleel extended his greetings, warmest congratulations and best wishes to his Chinese counterpart, the Government and people of China. 

“As we celebrate this significant milestone, I am heartened by the growing strength and depth of the enduring friendship between our two nations. Over the years, our cooperation has expanded across various sectors, and under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, these ties have further flourished, bringing tangible benefits to our people,” the message added. 

In his message, Dr Khaleel stated that the relationship between the Maldives and China was firmly grounded in the unwavering commitment to the One China Principle, continuing to foster meaningful collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, tourism, and trade. He expressed his confidence that the partnership would continue to grow to address challenges and seize opportunities on the global stage. 

“I look forward to building upon this positive momentum and exploring new avenues of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two nations. May the people of China continue to enjoy peace, progress, and prosperity, and may the bonds of friendship between the Maldives and China strengthen even further in the years to come,” the message added. 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Maldives has been nominated for six awards in the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) World’s Leading Category, including the coveted title of “World’s Leading Destination 2024”. 

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) also revealed that the Corporation has been nominated for the title of “World’s Leading Tourist Board 2024”. 

The World Travel Awards is globally recognised as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence, celebrating top-tier achievements across the travel and tourism sector since its inception in 1993. The WTA winners are chosen through a voting process that involves qualified travel professionals, industry experts, and consumers, making it an award that reflects both industry excellence and traveller preferences. 

The Maldives has consistently dominated the WTA in recent years, securing the title of “World’s Leading Destination” for four consecutive years, from 2019 to 2023. MMPRC has also been honoured as the “World’s Leading Tourist Board” for two years running. 

Voting for the WTA is now open. 

Maldives has been nominated in the following categories: 

• World’s Leading Destination 2024 

• World’s Leading Green Destination 2024 

• World’s Leading Dive Destination 2024 

• World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2024 

• World’s Leading Beach Destination 2024 

• World’s Leading Tourist Board 2024 – Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation.

SOURCE : MMPRC 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel has sent greetings to his counterparts in Tuvalu, Nigeria, Palau and Cyprus to on occasion of their Independence Day. 

In his message to the Minister for Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu, Paulson Panapa Minister Dr Khaleel extended warm greetings and good wishes to the Minister, the Government and the people of Tuvalu, on the joyous occasion. 

“As fellow Small Island Developing States, I look forward to greater collaboration between the Maldives and Tuvalu, as we work together to address our common challenges,” the message highlighted. 

The congratulatory message concluded with Minister Dr Khaleel’s best wishes to the Minister. 

In his message to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister Dr Khaleel extended warm greetings and sincere felicitations to the Minister, the Government, and the people of Nigeria on the joyous occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Day. 

“This occasion presents a valuable opportunity to express the commitment of the Government of Maldives to further enhance our bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” the message added. 

His message to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Palau, Gustav Aitaro also expressed similar sentiments of mutual collaboration. 

“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Maldives and on my own behalf, I would like to extend warm wishes to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Palau, on the occasion of your National Day,” the Minister’s message read. 

Noting that Maldives and Palau were member states of the Small lsland Developing States (SIDS), Minister Dr Khaleel expressed his confidence that the relations between the two nations and the cooperative endeavours in areas of shared interest will continue to strengthen. 

Minister Dr Khaleel also sent felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos. 

“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Maldives and on my own behalf, I extend greetings to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Cyprus, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Cyprus,” the message read. 

The message further stated that ties between the Maldives and Cyprus would continue to serve interest for the betterment of both nations. 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, announced plans for an investors’ forum in the Maldives designed to attract Saudi businesses. He shared this information during his visit to Saudi Arabia while speaking with PSM News. 

Minister Saeed mentioned that discussions were already underway with the forum expected to take place in December or January. This event aimed to bring Saudi businesses and importers, particularly those interested in investing in the Maldives, to explore available investment opportunities. 

The Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia focused on strengthening trade relations between the two nations.

During his trip, he met with the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of Foreign Trade Board of Saudi Arabia, Dr Majid bin Abdullah bin Osman Al Qasabi. 

In their meeting, Minister Saeed noted that the Saudi Minister highlighted his country’s close monitoring of ongoing development projects in the Maldives, particularly in the areas of housing and economic development. The Saudi Minister of Commerce assured Minister Saeed that Saudi Arabia would offer comprehensive support for these initiatives. 

Following the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed to enhance trade and economic relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. 

SOURCE : PSM 

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended congratulations to Her Excellency Claudia Sheinbaum following her historic election as the first female President of the United Mexican States. 

In a letter to President Sheinbaum, President Dr Muizzu noted that the electoral victory signifies the confidence placed by the people of Mexico in her visionary leadership towards the country’s future.

President Dr Muizzu further expressed optimism for strengthening the existing bilateral cooperation between the Maldives and Mexico as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations approaches next year. 

The President concluded his letter with well wishes for President Sheinbaum and the people of Mexico. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, announced that the government had begun talks regarding the relocation of Hirimaradhoo residents in Haa Dhaalu Atoll to another island, following a request from the community. 

During a meeting the Minister the previous month, the residents had expressed their desire to move to Thulusdhoo island in Kaafu Atoll. According to the then latest census, Hirimaradhoo was one of the least populated islands in the Maldives, with only 293 inhabitants. 

In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Minister Adam Shareef stated that if residents wished to relocate, they could submit their requests to the government.

At that time, two islands had made such requests. He emphasised that, as directed by President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, discussions had commenced regarding the potential transfer of Hirimaradhoo’s population. 

The Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development would oversee the resettlement process. The Ministry confirmed to PSM News that these discussions were already underway. 

In the meeting the Minister referred to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s 20-year national development plans, citing that relocation and population consolidation would enhance the quality of services provided to them. 

Highlighting concerns about resource distribution in small islands, Minister Adam Shareef stated that many Maldivians believed migration could lead to improvements in living conditions. He also mentioned that past relocations of residents from various islands had yielded positive outcomes. 

SOURCE : PSM 

The seventh International Teachers’ Conference took place with over 200 participants. First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed inaugurated the event held at the Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) in Malé City. Minister of Education, Dr Ismail Shafeeu, was also in attendance. 

The International Teachers’ Conference, held biannually by the National Institute of Education (NIE), saw a total of 250 individuals register for the two-day event. The Ministry of Education reported that 60 research papers and four case studies were submitted, with two keynote addresses and two panel discussions scheduled during the conference.  

Based on current educational trends, the theme for the seventh edition of the International Teachers’ Conference was “Educate, Empower, Elevate: Equitable Education for Twenty-First Century Excellence.” 

The conference aimed to foster a research culture among teachers and connect the Maldives with international academic communities. It also aimed to provide a platform for local and international stakeholders to share their work, contributing to positive changes in school teaching practices based on scientific research. 

Since 2012, the National Institute of Education has organized this biannual conference to foster a culture of research among teachers and education professionals. The last conference, held in 2022 in Kulhudhuffushi City, saw participation from over 220 teachers and scholars from both the Maldives and abroad.

SOURCE : PSM 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel has sent a congratulatory message to Takeshi Iwaya, on his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 

In the message to the new Foreign Minister, Minister Dr Khaleel extended his heartfelt congratulations, expressing his confidence that Minister Iwaya’s exemplary leadership and experience will undoubtedly bring great success to his tenure. 

The message went on to reflect on the long-standing partnership between the Maldives and Japan. Minister Dr Khaleel stated that this fifty-six-year diplomatic tie was founded on mutual respect, shared values, and fruitful cooperation across a wide range of sectors. He noted Japan’s invaluable contributions to the development of the Maldives, particularly in infrastructure, education, and disaster management. 

“The deep-rooted bonds of friendship and the close people-to-people contacts between our nations have been instrumental in fostering lasting economic prosperity, improving livelihoods, and enhancing the well-being of our peoples,” the message said. 

The message also expressed Minister Dr Khaleel’s vision for the future of Maldives and Japanese ties. 

“As we continue to navigate the global challenges ahead, I am confident that under your leadership, the Maldives and Japan will further strengthen our ties and explore new avenues for collaboration. The Maldives remains committed to supporting Japan’s efforts to advance our shared goals and values, particularly in promoting a Free and Open Indo- Pacific region,” it added. 

Minister Dr Khaleel’s message concluded by stating that he wished to work closely with with Foreign Ministe Iwaya to realize the full potential of cooperation between the two nations. 

SOURCE : PSM 

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conveyed sympathy and condolences to neighbouring Nepal following the devastation caused by floods and landslides recently. 

In a post on his official ‘X’ account, the President said he was deeply saddened by the tragic events that have resulted in loss of lives and injuries. 

He extended his heartfelt condolences to Nepali Prime Minister Honorable KP Sharma Oli and the victims’ families.

The President wished the injured a speedy recovery and for the missing persons to be found safely. 

President Dr Muizzu noted that Nepal is a neighbour and friend of the Maldives, and that Maldives will unwaveringly stand with Nepal at this challenging time. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office