Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 251

Discover latest updates of the Government

Author

The President's Office
March 08, 2025

Date: March 7-8, 2025 | Issue 151

President emphasises women’s crucial role in the nation’s progress

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that women’s full participation is essential in education, healthcare, social services, governance, business, and economic activities—all crucial to a nation’s survival and progress. He emphasised that no country or homeland can endure without women’s contributions and support.

Today, the President made these remarks in a special address commemorating International Women’s Day.

In his address, the President highlighted that the Maldivian Government’s core policy is to expand opportunities for women, strengthen their role in governance, and empower them to become self-sufficient and independent.

He noted that even the earliest records of Maldivian history depict Maldivian women as spirited, diligent, and devoted homemakers who maintained order and contributed beyond the household. He described them as the pillars of Maldivian society, who, throughout generations, have safeguarded the peace and security of the Maldivian nation for thousands of years. He also acknowledged them as the compassionate anchors of their families, crediting their unwavering support and participation in driving national development and progress. For these reasons, he affirmed that Maldivians will always take great pride in their women.

The President underscored that women constitute most service providers in key sectors such as healthcare and education, which are vital for the country’s sustainability and future. He also celebrated the remarkable achievements of Maldivian female athletes in sports. Quoting the well-known adage, “Educate a woman, and you educate a generation,” he pointed out that Maldivian girls outnumber boys in secondary, higher secondary, and university education, with most top-achieving students also female. He described this as a promising sign for the future of the Maldivian nation.

As Muslims, the President stated that Islam has played the most significant role in safeguarding women’s rights and elevating their dignity, honour, and status in society. He reminded that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that the first, second, and third person one must treat with utmost kindness and compassion is one’s mother. Additionally, one of the Prophet’s final instructions before his passing was to be kind to one’s wife. In his address, the President also honoured the contributions of the Mothers of the Believers, the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in recognition of International Women’s Day.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

Foreign Minister condemns calls for displacement of the Palestinian people and expresses support for Gaza reconstruction plan

 The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel participated in the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and calls for their displacement from their land, held today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In his remarks, Minister Dr. Khaleel raised concerns over Israel’s violations of the ceasefire Agreement, reflecting on the continued aggression by Israel against the people of Palestine. Minister Dr Khaleel condemned the ongoing calls for the displacement of Palestinian people from their land and called unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people and a permanent ceasefire. He further expressed Maldives’ firm support for the Gaza reconstruction plan adopted during the Arab League Summit.

Minister Dr Khaleel reiterated the Maldives’ unwavering commitment for the Palestinian cause, highlighting actions taken by the Maldives including through the filing of the declaration of intervention in the case concerning the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of UN agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory. He also noted that a just and lasting resolution can only be achieved through the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

The Organization of the Islamic Cooperation comprising of 57 Member States, is a strong advocate for the people of Palestine and their aspiration for statehood. The Maldives has been an active member of the OIC since becoming a member in 1976. 

 SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ITB Berlin 2025: a crucial boost for Maldives tourism, says Minister Ibrahim 

The Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025 has been a significant triumph, serving as a vital forum to bolster tourist arrivals to the Maldives, according to Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism and Environment. He conveyed this sentiment in a video message shared to mark the closing of the ITB Berlin fair. 

Held from 4 to 6 March in Berlin, Germany, the fair functions as an indispensable venue for networking with global stakeholders, fortifying business relationships, and promoting tourism products to both B2B and B2C audiences. This year marked the Maldives’ 41st year of participation in the fair. 

As the world’s premier travel trade show, ITB Berlin unites tourism professionals and exhibitors from across the globe to showcase and discuss the latest trends and innovations in the travel industry. Representing the Maldives at ITB Berlin was a delegation of approximately 200 representatives from 89 companies. 

In his video message, Minister Ibrahim underscored the considerable initiatives and efforts undertaken during the fair to elevate the Maldives as a leading tourism destination. He highlighted a seminar hosted by the Maldives, which provided comprehensive information about the nation’s tourism products to industry stakeholders. 

Organised under the banner ‘The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism—Berlin Edition,’ the seminar was spearheaded by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the nation’s principal tourism promotion board. The event focused on government and industry-led initiatives to explore new market segments, increase bookings, and promote sustainable development. It also aimed to present the future development vision for the Maldives’ tourism sector. 

Stakeholders in the Maldives’ tourism sector including tour agents and tour operators, also shared valuable information about the nation’s tourism products with visitors and other businesses attending the event, according to Minister Ibrahim.

Highlighting the significance of the fair, Minister Ibrahim noted, “This fair is the largest of its kind, attracting the highest number of visitors from Germany and neighbouring countries. The opportunity for business-to-business engagement is considerable.” 

Minister Ibrahim also noted that discussions were held with various international travel agents and tour operators during the ITB Berlin fair. These included meetings with international airlines operating flights to the Maldives, tour operators, and tour agencies. 

In addition, Minister Ibrahim met with several pioneers of the Maldives’ tourism sector who were present at the fair, alongside various companies and tourism sector stakeholders. The discussions at these meetings focused on future efforts required to promote the Maldives’ tourism sector and its status as a premier tourism destination. 

In his video message, Minister Ibrahim also spoke about President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to further advance and develop the Maldives’ tourism sector. He described the arrival of over two million tourists in 2024, a record for the Maldives, as a significant achievement aligned with President Dr Muizzu’s vision. 

Looking ahead, Minister Ibrahim expressed optimism about achieving the national arrival target of 2.3 million visitors for this year. To reach this goal, the government, in collaboration with MMPRC and tourism sector stakeholders, plans to undertake numerous marketing and promotional activities worldwide to promote the Maldives’ tourism products.

SOURCE : PSM 

Maldivian extends deadline for proposals to acquire second wide-body aircraft 

The deadline for submitting proposals to acquire a second wide-body aircraft for the national airline, Maldivian, has been extended. 

Maldivian introduced its first wide-body aircraft to its fleet on 6 this January this year, fulfilling a key presidential pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. While the Airbus A330-200, which has 264 seats, is currently in service, Maldivian sought to add a second wide-body aircraft to its fleet on 6 February. Maldivian is seeking to lease a second aircraft of the same model for a five-year period. 

Maldivian’s parent company, Island Aviation Service Limited (IASL) said while the original deadline for submitting proposals expired on Friday, the deadline has now been extended until 14 March. 

Maldivian has launched direct flights to three Chinese cities, Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu with its first wide-body aircraft. Delivering this year’s Presidential Statement, President Muizzu said the acquisition of a second wide-body aircraft would introduce Maldivian’s direct flights to European destinations. The government aims to commence these flights by October this year. 

The government believes the acquisition of a second wide-body aircraft will significantly boost Maldives’ tourism. The government hopes to increase the number of tourists visiting the Maldives from long-haul markets with the launch of direct flights to these destinations. 

SOURCE : PSM 

President visits Rasfannu, observes upgradation efforts in the area 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has visited Rasfannu and observed the progress of the upgradation works in the area. The upgradation, a joint effort of state agencies and state-owned corporations, began after the President’s visit to the area on February 14, 2025, where he gauged the degradation of the area, following which be issued a instructions on the renewal of the area. 

The same day, the President also visited Sultan Park. Following the visit, the President pledged extensive repairs of the two areas, which are heavily used by residents of Malé City. He stated that residents of Malé do not have access to peaceful open spaces, adding that the Administration was committed to the renewal of such public places. 

During Thursday’s visit, the President sought the lastest information on the redevelopment project and the temporary measures taken to ensure the area is safe for public use. 

While Rasfannu has been temporarily opened for public use from Thursday onwards, the sand on the beach has been levelled and the accumulated silt has been removed. Additionally, damaged beach huts, tables, and chairs have been repaired, as well as the shower facilities. The President had issued instructions to the relevant agencies on the planned redevelopment of Rasfannu on Thursday’s visit as well. As such, once Ramadan is over, a row of bathrooms will be constructed, with additional renovations to the existing fishing platform. The Administration is in the process of planning long term solutions for public areas such as Rasfannu and Sultan Park. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Non-Resident Ambassador of Maldives to the French Republic presents Letter of Credence 

High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Dr. Iruthisham Adam has presented her Letter of Credence to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, as the Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Maldives to the French Republic, at a ceremony held at the Palais de Elysee in Paris, today. 

During the meeting that followed the Credential Ceremony, Ambassador Dr. Iruthisham Adam conveyed greetings and best wishes from President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Government and the people of Maldives to President Emmanuel Macron, Government and the people of France. Speaking on the longstanding bilateral relations between the Maldives and the France, Ambassador Dr. Iruthisham expressed firm commitment of the Government of Maldives to work together with the Government of France in further strengthening the existing bilateral relations, as well as enhance trade, investment and cultural exchanges between the two countries. 

Ambassador Dr. Iruthisham Adam also met with Ambassador for Regional Cooperation in the Indian Ocean, Jean Claude Brunet and Deputy Director of the Asia and Oceania Department, Myriam Saint Pierre, at the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. 

Ambassador Dr. Iruthisham was accompanied by the Third Secretary at the High Commission of Maldives to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Aminath Samra. 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Addu City Council seeks investors for City Hotel in Feydhoo 

Addu City Council has invited interested investors to develop a city hotel in Feydhoo. 

The 45-room city hotel is set to be developed in Dhigihera Tourism Zone (S4). This zone is within the newly reclaimed land on the western side of Feydhoo opposite Savaaheli Island, two kilometers away from Addu International Airport. The 3.2 hectares of beach front land is allocated for Guesthouses, Hotels and support services. 

Addu City Council will lease around 16,000 square feet land plot for the city hotel for 50 years. 

Interested parties may obtain further information, inspect and purchase the Bidding Documents from 9 March till 19 March between 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

According to the Addu City Council, this project is carried out to achieve the objectives of creating job opportunities to minimise the unemployment rate among youth and to stimulate the economy of Addu City by enhancing private sector investments in local tourism. 

Addu currently has three operational resorts. While the city also has operational guesthouses, various plans have been made to expand tourism in the city. As such, the government has launched tourism zones in the city with plans also made to expand local tourism. 

Furthermore, the biggest tourism development plan of the city to date, Hankede Integrated Tourism Project has also been launched, with additional plans to implement tourism projects in three islands reclaimed for the purpose of tourism development. A coastal tourism project will also be implemented in the city. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Agricultural sector envisions new horizons for women as Minister Mariya unveils empowerment plan 

Dr Maryam Mariya, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, announced a comprehensive suite of initiatives designed to empower women within the agricultural sector. These announcements coincide with the global celebration of International Women’s Day. 

In her message, Minister Mariya detailed the administration’s plans to boost women’s participation and opportunities in agriculture. Among the initiatives is the creation of a fund to provide financial assistance to female-led agricultural startups that harness modern technologies and innovative solutions. Underscoring the importance of resilience, she proposed the promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices and the provision of specialised training programmes for women in the sector. 

Committed to further support, Minister Mariya also pledged to allocate farming land and essential resources to women pursuing careers in agriculture. She underscored the administration’s dedication to eradicating gender disparities and ensuring equality. “Women play a pivotal role in ensuring national food security, environmental sustainability, and economic stability,” she stated. “I call upon everyone to ensure that the agricultural sector offers equal opportunities for women.” 

Minister Mariya’s message also extended her best wishes to all women in honour of International Women’s Day, highlighting the significant contributions of women in both the fisheries and agricultural sectors. The administration’s commitment to empowering women extends beyond agriculture. Priorities include enhanced employment prospects, allowances for single parents, and remote working options for women. 

SOURCE : PSM 

China funded Council Building Project to begin mid-2025 

The council building project funded by the Chinese government is scheduled to coomence mid- year, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar has said. 

The government announced that the 50 council’s administrative offices will be developed with the assistance of China. In addition to these 50 councils, the government had previously announced developing 55 councils administrative offices under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) which has been awarded to Malaysia’s Hextar Global Sdn. Bhd. 

Speaking to PSM News, Minister Adam Shareef said a Chinese team will arrive in Maldives next month to conduct the necessary surveys before the project begins. According to the Minister, 10 islands have been identified for the surveys and the construction of the council secretariats will start in the middle of this year. 

“The project will start by the middle of this year. The project has been divided into two phases. However, the entire project will be completed within two years,” he explained. 

The other project undertaken by the Malaysian firm has already broken ground in several islands. Minister Adam Shareef said construction in those islands will commence next month. 

“The construction will begin in Raa Atoll first. Then in Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu Atoll. Construction in all islands will start within this year,” he said. 

The buildings will be constructed on one and two floors under the project. The Minister said the one-storey buildings would be completed within one year, while the two-storey buildings will be completed within two years and all the council secretariat buildings will be developed by mid-2027, he added. 

The Ministry’s assessments found that 187 councils face significant space constraints and resource shortages. 

The government aims to rebuild all run-down council buildings within its current term. 

SOURCE : PSM