Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 259

President nominates new non-resident envoy to Denmark

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has nominated a non-resident Ambassador to Denmark and forwarded his nomination for Parliament endorsement.

The President has nominated Geela Ali, the Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, to concurrently serve as the non-resident Ambassador to Denmark.

The nomination was forwarded to the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee for vetting during Monday’s Parliament sitting.

Per the Foreign Service Act, the president must secure parliamentary approval before appointing ambassadors and high commissioners to the nation’s foreign missions.

 SOURCE : PSM 

Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel arrives in India on an official visit

 The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, arrived in India on Monday morning on an official visit. 

The High Commissioner of the Maldives to India, Aishath Azeema, and the Ministry of External Affairs senior officials received him at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Minister Dr Khaleel will attend the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, inaugurated this evening by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, is the chief guest of this year’s Raisina event. 

Minister Dr Khaleel will participate as a panellist in the “Climate Cataclysm: The Adaptation Agenda is Gasping” session, which will discuss urgent climate adaptation challenges and global responses.

On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Dr Khaleel will engage in bilateral discussions with the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and several other visiting foreign ministers.

SOURCE : Minister of Foreign Affairs

Maldives Ambassador to Thailand presents credentials to His Majesty the King of Thailand

 The Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, His Excellency Fuwad Thowfeek, presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua at a ceremony held today at the Amphorn Royal Palace, Bangkok.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Thowfeek conveyed greetings and best wishes from His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and the people of the Maldives to His Majesty the King, the government, and the friendly people of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Ambassador Thowfeek reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Maldives to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations and expressed keen interest in working closely to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Thailand on 21 June 1979. On 16 December 2024, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu appointed Ambassador Fuwad Thowfeek as the new Ambassador of the Maldives to the Kingdom of Thailand.

SOURCE : Minister of Foreign Affairs 

ReefSeed offers new hope for Maldives’ fragile coral reefs: Minister Shiyam 

According to Ahmed Shiyam, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, ReefSeed, the innovative coral restoration initiative, will help the Maldives combat reef degradation and promote the recovery of these vital marine habitats. 

At the project’s inauguration, Minister Shiyam underscored the initiative’s importance, describing it as a critical step in addressing the profound environmental challenges of climate change. 

The project is led by the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Funded through a USD 1.5 million G20 initiative, the three-year programme also benefits from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) expertise. 

Minister Shiyam noted that the advanced systems developed with Australian support streamline coral propagation and engage younger generations in conservation. “ReefSeed provides a crucial opportunity to accelerate restoration efforts and breathe life back into these fragile coral reef ecosystems,” he said in an interview with PSM News. 

ReefSeed incorporates a portable, containerised coral aquaculture system capable of propagating up to 100,000 young corals at a time. This innovative technology, deployed at Maniyafushi in Kaafu Atoll, has been designed to maximise larval production while reducing the labour intensity typically required for such efforts 

According to MMRI, preparations are well underway, aligning propagation activities with the Maldives’ coral spawning season, which runs from February to May. Beyond its immediate applications, the institute plans to conduct extensive research to assess the technology’s long-term potential in supporting large-scale reef restoration. 

According to Minister Shiyam, local engagement remains a priority in these efforts. Five Maldivian youths have already been trained in coral propagation techniques through AIMS, he said, a development heralded as a significant step in building local capacity. Highlighting this achievement, Minister Shiyam reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to extending protections for reef areas across the Maldives, further ensuring the sustainability of its marine ecosystems. 

Coral reefs play a vital role in the Maldivian economy, standing as a cornerstone of the nation’s tourism industry. These vibrant ecosystems draw a significant share of the visitors who fuel the country’s economy while sustaining local communities’ livelihoods. The ReefSeed initiative seeks to safeguard and revive these critical marine habitats by integrating cutting-edge technology with global collaboration.

SOURCE : PSM 

Government seeks input for planned coconut development centre 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has invited input from interested parties and the public for the planned development of a coconut development centre in Ariyadhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. 

As part of the national initiative to revive the coconut palm population in the Maldives, the ministerial cabinet decided to place Ariyadhoo under the ministry’s jurisdiction. 

Under the initiative, the Ministry said a coconut development centre and nurseries will be established to cultivate high-quality coconut palms and provide a sustainable supply of certified coconut varieties to the islands. 

According to the Ministry, the facilities planned for the island will also work towards ensuring food security and cultivation of coastal plants and shrubbery. 

The Ministry will also launch adaptive research in Ariyadhoo to identify coconut palm diseases and find solutions, including exploring biological control methods. 

The Government will seek foreign investors to provide technical and financial assistance to establish the centre in Ariyadhoo. The investment will also cover the operational and management costs of managing the village, it added. 

The Ministry has opened the door for input on developing and operating the centre. The public, associations, and companies are invited to register and provide feedback on the planned project. 

The coconut palm population in most parts of Maldives faces an “ageing crisis,” with many trees past their peak productivity. The coconut palm revival initiative aims to reverse the decline and aid efforts to ensure food security in the country. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Hulhumalé to house MIFCO’s fish cannery, backed by IsDB 

The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has announced plans to construct a fish cannery in Hulhumalé, supported by a USD 65 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). 

The decision to relocate the cannery from its initially proposed site in Kandu’oiy Giri Fish Village followed a cabinet directive. The move facilitated the allocation of a land parcel in Hulhumalé by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). 

With funding secured, MIFCO is now focusing on completing the necessary administrative procedures. The facility, designed to process up to 35 tonnes of fish, significantly advances the company’s processing capabilities. Once operational, the Hulhumalé cannery is expected to enhance efficiency and contribute to the economic sustainability of the fisheries sector, according to MIFCO. 

This project aligns with broader Government initiatives. Kandu’oiy Giri, previously central to MIFCO’s operations, was reassigned to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in August 2024. 

SOURCE : PSM 

CFC funding open for Maldives agribusinesses 

The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) has invited applications for financial support from projects that aim to transform commodity value chains and uplift smallholder and SME-based enterprises in the Maldives. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare said that the Maldives is a CFC member country, and the opportunity is open for local farmers and agribusinesses. 

The CFC provides various financial and technical support options to empower SMEs, cooperatives, International Commodity Bodies (ICBs), and other institutions, particularly those led by or supporting women in agriculture. Financing can be provided through loans for capital expenditures, working capital, or trade finance to invest in productivity and value chain upgrading involving smallholders and SMEs. 

Applications must be submitted before 1 April. They must clearly show operational and financial viability and be economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.

SOURCE : PSM 

State-owned companies awarded contracts for completing unfinished sports projects 

The Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation has awarded contracts to three state-owned companies—Road Development Corporation Limited (RDC), Fenaka Corporation Limited, and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)— to complete unfinished sports projects across the Maldives. 

The agreements were signed on behalf of the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation by its Minister, Abdulla Rafiu. MTCC’s Managing Director, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Retired Ahmed Saudee, signed on behalf of the company, while FENAKA was represented by its Managing Director, Mohamed Najah. RDC’s Managing Director, Brigadier General Retired Ali Zuhair, signed on behalf of the corporation. 

The projects handed over to Fenaka Corporation include the development of football grounds in Kamadhoo, Baa Atoll, and Maaen’boodhoo, Dhaalu Atoll. The company also received the installation of a lighting system in Kurendhooo Football Ground and the procurement of a drag brush machine required for turf installation in four islands. 

The installation of a lighting system in Kurendhoo Football Ground was contracted for USD 103,761.35, to be completed within 90 days. Additionally, the supply and installation of turf for Kamadhoo Football Ground was contracted for USD 304,798.96, to be completed within 60 days. The Maaen’boodhoo Football Ground development was contracted for USD 389,105.06 to be completed within 120 days. This includes turf installation, constructing the surrounding walls, and fencing the area. 

Additionally, Fenaka was contracted to procure a drag brush machine and benches for the football grounds in Kendhoo and Thulhaadhoo of Baa Atoll and Meedhoo in Raa Atoll for USD 103,761.35, to be completed within 60 days. 

Meanwhile, RDC has been contracted to finish the indoor badminton courts in Kaashidhoo, Kaafu Atoll, Hangnaameedhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maalhos, Baa Atoll, and Thoddoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll. 

According to the contract, the supply and installation of turf on Kaashidhoo Football Ground includes procuring the drag brush machine needed for the work. This part of the contract must be fulfilled within 45 days, and USD 5,603.11 has been allocated. 

Additionally, Hangnaameedhoo Football Ground development has been contracted for USD 376,134.89 and will be completed within 90 days. This includes the supply and installation of turf, construction of surrounding walls, and installation of fences. 

RDC also has obligations related to the development of football grounds in Maalhos. This contract, valued at USD 771,725.03, includes the supply and installation of turf, a lighting system, surrounding walls, fences, and a rostrum. The work will be completed in three months. 

RDC has also been contracted to develop an indoor badminton hall in Thoddooo, which is expected to be completed within 190 days. Around USD 324,254.22 will be spent on the project. 

The contracts handed over to MTCC include the construction of surrounding walls and fences, the procurement of brush machines for Dhiffushi, Kaafu Atoll, and Muraidhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll’s football grounds, and the establishment of a fitness and recreation centre in Bilehfahi, Shaviyani Atoll. 

Other contracts include the construction of the surrounding walls of the Dhiffushi Football Grounds and the installation of fences, which will be completed within 50 days. The procurement of a drag brush machine is also included in the project. This contract is valued at USD 77,821.01. 

MTCC has also handed over the construction of Muraidhoo Football Ground’s surrounding walls and fencing, as well as procuring drag brush machines and benches. This contract is valued at USD 97,276.26 and will be completed within 60 days. According to the contract, establishing a fitness and recreation centre in Bilehfahi must be completed within six months for USD 298,313.88. The work on the Dhiffushi and Muraidhoo football grounds must be completed within two months. 

In alignment with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge, the Government has been resuming halted sports projects across the Maldives since last year. While a large percentage of these projects have now reached completion, the timely and efficient completion is part of the President’s pledge. The Government anticipates completing the outstanding tasks by the second quarter of the year. 

SOURCE : PSM