Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 253

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu shares a message on Commonwealth Day

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has shared a message on Commonwealth Day.

The President’s message reads as follows:

“Today as we celebrate the Commonwealth Day, we are reminded of the collective strength that lies in the unity of our Commonwealth family. For us, unity is not merely a concept, it is the dynamic force which drives collaboration and empowers our communities to address our shared challenges.

This year’s theme, “Together We Thrive” resonates deeply with our nation’s enduring commitment to unity, resilience and progress. Our world is increasingly plagued by conflict and inequality. In these challenging times, let us stand together, as a testament to the power of collective action within the Commonwealth, not just to survive, but to thrive.

The Maldives values the constant efforts and continued advocacy by the Commonwealth to promote the interests of the small states like ours, including climate resilience, access to finance, women’s empowerment, and youth development. We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, good governance, and sustainable development, enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held last year in Samoa was a testament to our commitment to unity and cooperation. It is imperative that we work together to translate the outcomes of CHOGM into tangible action. The Maldives stands ready to strengthen its partnership with the Commonwealth and its Member States to ensure a future where every Commonwealth citizen thrives.”

Earlier today, the President also shared a post on his official X account to mark the Commonwealth Day.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

The first shipment of Maldives canned tuna donation reaches Gaza

 Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel revealed Monday that the first shipment of the Maldives’ donation of two million cans of tuna has reached Gaza.

In a written response to an opposition lawmaker’s query about the delay in implementing the Government’s decision to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the island nation, Minister Dr Khaleel pointed out that the country’s immigration laws need to be revised to implement the ban.

He also pointed out that the Parliamentary Security Services Committee is reviewing the decision, and the ban will be enacted once the law is revised.

In his response, the Minister highlighted the proactive role Maldives continues to play in the international arena, advocating for the rights of Palestine and putting a stop to the atrocities being committed by Israel.

Minister Dr Khaleel also said the Maldives has continued to advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people through the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

According to the Minister, Maldives submitted a Declaration of Intervention last year to support South Africa’s application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel. Additionally, on December 19, 2024, he added that we co-sponsored a United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the ICJ regarding Israel’s responsibilities in facilitating humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, delivered by the UN, international organisations, and various countries worldwide.

 Minister Dr Khaleel also noted that this Administration has increased the Maldives’ annual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees to USD5,000.

According to the minister, in addition to the USD 1.2 million in proceeds from the “Maldivians with Palestine” telethon handed over to UNRWA, the first shipment of the canned tuna donation has now reached Gaza.

In that regard, he said the first shipment of 374,400 canned tuna was delivered to Gaza on 12 February through the Egyptian Red Crescent.

The Minister assured that the Maldives will continue to provide assistance and advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people in the future.

 SOURCE : PSM

Maldives greets over 570 cruise passengers from Seychelles 

The Maldives welcomed more than 570 visitors on Saturday when the cruise ship MS Insignia arrived from the Seychelles. The arrival highlights the country’s strong appeal for cruise travellers, with numerous liners making stops in the archipelago each year. 

The MS Insignia brought 576 tourists and 406 crew members to the Maldivian shores. Recognising the sector’s importance to the economy, the current Administration has intensified efforts to strengthen cruise ship tourism. The Government has developed three specialised harbours across different regions to accommodate cruise ships and facilitate this growth. 

The Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA), an organisation responsible for overseeing yacht-related activities in the country, has announced that 12 cruise ships are scheduled to visit the country this year. 

With the Government’s focus on increasing cruise ship tourism, tourist arrivals in the Maldives have continued to rise. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the nation has welcomed over 481,000 visitors this year, reflecting a positive trend in tourism growth. 

Plans discussed for airport traffic changes ahead of new terminal opening 

Discussions have been held regarding potential airport traffic flow following the upcoming opening of the new international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). 

The discussions took place between the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates VIA. 

According to the Transport Ministry, the meeting with MACL officials discussed changes to the taxi queue and routes for taxis and four-wheelers. The meeting also discussed the designated parking area for additional vehicles and the use of the newly planned roundabout in the area. 

The new international passenger terminal, equipped with modern services and facilities, is now nearing completion. The final preparations to bring the terminal into operation are now underway. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced in his presidential address at this year’s opening session of the Parliament that the new terminal would be opened before October of this year. 

The existing international terminal at VIA can accommodate 1.5 million passengers annually. However, the new 78,000-square-meter terminal will be developed to accommodate up to 7 million passengers annually. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Maldives’ Usable Reserve Up 54% to Cross USD179.1 Million 

Maldives’ reserves recorded major gains in February, central bank figures have shown. 

According to Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) figures, the country’s official reserves stood at USD708.1 million by the end of January. However the figure had risen to USD832.1 million as of February, recording an increase of USD124 million in a single month with an increase of 18 percent. 

With the official reserves, the usable reserves have also increased in February. The usable reserves stood at USD116 million in January, according to central bank data. By February, the number had increased to USD179.1 million which is a 54 percent increase in just one month. 

The country’s reserves have made strong gains at a time when the government has enforced a new foreign exchange law mandating tourist establishments to exchange a portion of their revenue to local banks. 

SOURCE : PSM 

STELCO to establish fuel storage tanks in Hulhumale’ Phase I 

State-owned utility firm State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has awarded Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) the contract to establish fuel storage tanks in Hulhumale’ Phase I. 

STELCO said the new storage tanks will boost its capacity to cater to increased demand during peak hours. 

Managing Director Hussain Fahmy signed the agreement on behalf of STELCO, while Managing Director Retd Deputy Commissioner of Police Ahmed Saudy signed for MTCC. Under the agreement, two 80,000-liter fuel storage tanks will be established in Hulhumale. 

STELCO has established a temporary power station in Hulhumale to ensure sustainable electricity for the growing population in the greater Male’ area. The project will install 13 generators and add 17 Megawatts of electricity capacity to the grid. 

In its hottest season, the Maldives has led to a gradual increase in electricity consumption. Currently, the peak hour electricity consumption in Male is 98 Megawatts, with STELCO expecting the number to increase in the coming weeks to 120 Megawatts. 

However, STELCO said the newly established 17-megawatt temporary power station will be able to manage the additional load. 

SOURCE : PSM