Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 164

The President accepts the judges’ gown honouring the legacy of his father, the late Sheikh Uz Hussain Abdul Rahman

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in a poignant moment, accepted the judges’ gown presented in honour of his late father, Sheikh Uz Hussain Abdul Rahman, in recognition of his service as a High Court Judge.

The President received the gown at the launch of the High Court’s highly anticipated and impactful Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2027. This significant event, held on Saturday night at the Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), marks a pivotal moment in the future of the Maldivian judicial system.

The late Sheikh Uz Hussain Abdul Rahman, a law graduate from Al-Azhar University, was among the first appointed High Court Judges in the Maldives when the High Court was established on October 5, 1980.

He made significant contributions to Islamic education in the Maldives, most notably through the ‘Aleege Mahchah Ayyeh’ programme on public radio. Sheikh Uz Hussain Abdul Rahman also served on various committees, dedicated to the service of religion, society, and the nation.

Hailing from a literary family, the late Sheikh Uz Hussain Abdul Rahman was an accomplished writer who authored multiple books and was a well-loved and respected societal figure.

At the ceremony, the High Court of the Maldives also presented judges’ gowns to 28 retired High Court Judges to acknowledge their service.

The High Court further presented mementoes to two individuals for their long-standing and significant contributions to the nation, as well as to three employees who demonstrated exceptional dedication with the most punctual attendance at the office last year.

The High Court’s Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2027 aims to establish systemic, long-term solutions through an academic and empirical approach to judicial decision-making and policy development. This approach will involve improving data collection and monitoring to support its implementation. Additionally, the Court aims to achieve comprehensive digitisation across all departments, facilitating electronic services to ensure broader access to justice for all.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Vice President attends the Closing Executive Session of CHOGM

Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef attended the Closing Executive Session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024).

The Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, His Excellency Abdulla Rafiu joined the Vice President at the Session, which announced the newly selected Secretary General, adopted the Leaders Statement, CHOGM Communiqué and Commonwealth Ocean Declaration.

This concludes the Vice President’s official visit to Samoa, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024). 

SOURCE : The President’s Office

The Vice President concludes official visit to Samoa to attend CHOGM

Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef concluded his official visit to the Independent State of Samoa on Sunday, where he attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM).

The Vice President was accompanied by a senior government delegation, including His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation; and Her Excellency Dr. Iruthisham Adam, High Commissioner of Maldives to the UK.

During his visit, the Vice President participated in several CHOGM and side events, engaging in high-level discussions on critical global issues relevant to the Maldives. He delivered statements at the CHOGM Climate Breakfast: Building Consensus for Climate Finance Targets in the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Business Forum: Island Leaders Round Table, and the SMI CEO-Leader’s Event. At the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s CEO-Leader’s Event during the CHOGM Business Forum, he also had an audience with His Majesty King Charles III, the head of the Commonwealth.

The Vice President additionally made a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, host of CHOGM 2024. He attended the executive sessions and Heads of Government Retreat of CHOGM, where he delivered several interventions.

This CHOGM marks the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting since President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration assumed office in November 2023. The government remains committed to active international engagement and fostering strong bilateral relations with key global partners.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, held every two years, provides a platform for Commonwealth leaders to address global economic, environmental, and security challenges and collaborate on building resilience, enhancing trade, and fostering a sustainable future.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel sends National Day greetings to the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, sends a message of felicitations to Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, on the occasion of Austria’s National Day.

The Minister’s message reads as follows:

“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Maldives and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to convey warm felicitations to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Austria, on the occasion of the National Day of Austria.

I look forward to collaborating with you to further enhance the friendly relations between Maldives and Austria in the coming years. 

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and sincere wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Austria.”

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

New innovations vital to fish sustainably: Fisheries Minister

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has underscored the crucial importance of new innovations and technologies in ensuring sustainable fishing. The statement was made by the minister during the Global Ocean Development Forum held in China’s Shandong province.

Speaking at the forum, Minister Shiyam highlighted that the Maldives is a developing, small island nation, surrounded by the ocean. The Minister stated that the primary objective of the forum is to foster international collaboration to protect and sustain ocean resources. He indicated that this goal has evolved into a critical priority for the Maldives.

Addressing the rising global demand for fish and fish products, Minister Shiyam pointed out that the Maldives faces significant challenges in the fishing sector, including the adverse effects of climate change and unsustainable fishing practises. He noted that these challenges adversely affect many individuals who rely on fishing for their livelihoods.

In his address, Minister Shiyam affirmed that the Maldives is exerting maximum efforts to adhere to international regulations and practice sustainable fishing. However, he stated that the challenges faced by the nation, can only be resolved with the united efforts of the international community. He emphasised the need for countries to adopt policies regarding sustainable fishing practices, as well.

Furthermore, Minister Shiyam recognised the assistance provided by China, to enhance the Maldives’ fishing industry. He mentioned that discussions regarding the development of this sector took place during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to China, and efforts are now underway to implement these initiatives. He also announced new investment opportunities within the mariculture industry alongside plans to increase fishing capacity.

SOURCE : PSM

MMPRC to organise symposium to promote tourism in the south region

Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) will host a special symposium next year, aiming to advertise tourism in the southern region. The remarks were made by the Minister during the ceremony held to launch the “Addu Tourism Brand”. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Faisal emphasised the importance of promoting tourism in regions where the tourism industry requires more development. The Minister acknowledged that such regions face challenges due to difficulties with transportation measures and the implementation of tax within the tourism industry.

Highlighting the need to increase awareness among the youth residing in the regions regarding the opportunities present, he affirmed that the government would exert maximum effort to increase awareness during tourism development. Noting that developing tourism in the southern region is a pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Minister Faisal stated that efforts are currently underway to fulfil this commitment. Under these efforts, MMPRC will be hosting a symposium next year, aiming to advertise tourism in the southern region.

The Minister stated that invitations will be sent to tour operators from India and China, which will see the participation of parties working in the tourism industry of the four southernmost atolls. Furthermore, Minister Faisal stated that efforts are underway to increase the bed capacity of Addu City and Fuvahmulah City, expeditiously. The Minister noted that this will play a significant role in ensuring that Addu International Airport is operated most efficiently. This will also pave the way to expand the tourism industry within the region.

He urged all individuals working in the tourism industry across Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, and Huvadhoo Atoll to exert collective efforts in promoting tourism. As part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledges, developing the tourism industry in Addu City remains a key priority, with the government placing significant emphasis on this initiative.

SOURCE : PSM

Maafaru Airport expands runway, starts operations for international flights

Maafaru International Airport has resumed international flight operations following runway expansion. Inaugurated in 2019, the airport has been functioning as an international airport since 1 July 2020. The airport has gained popularity among private jets, serving tourists travelling to luxury resorts in Noonu, Raa, and Baa Atolls.

The airport in Maafaru, Noonu Atoll, halted international flight operations in May, aiming to expand the runway. While the airport has now resumed these operations, Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), which manages the airport, anticipates that a total of 100 jets will land at the airport until 10 January 2025.

Under the airport developmental initiative, the runway was expanded to cover 2,800m. This ensures that international flights, including the Airbus A320, the Boeing 737 and Boeing 777, can be accommodated.

Additionally, efforts are underway to expand the airport’s apron. This work was contracted to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Limited (MTCC) by IASL in August. Expected to complete next month, this upgrade will double the airport’s parking capacity from 13 to 26 jets. The development plan also incorporates two new taxiways.

IASL reported that 353 jets landed at the airport last year, marking an increase of 125 jets compared to 2022. The facility also welcomed 1,943 tourists to the Maldives during the same period.

SOURCE : PSM