During his visit to Finland, President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with the Finnish President Tarja Halonen.
The two Presidents discussed issues of mutual concern such as climate change and democracy.
After their meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference.
The Finnish President welcomed President Nasheed and expressed hope that his visit would be a fruitful one. She also expressed confidence that that the President’s visit would be a big step towards stronger relations between the two countries.
She said climate change was an issue of great concern to Finland too and that Finland was willing to work together with the Maldives to find a solution to the problem. She also commended President Nasheed’s efforts to highlight the issue in the international arena.
President Nasheed noted President Halonen’s achievements in supporting gender equality and said the Maldives too was committed in promoting gender equality.
Speaking on climate change, President Nasheed said democracy and good governance was equally important as financial assistance, in combating climate change. He added that governments alone cannot solve the problem and that citizens need to be galvanised into climate activism.
President Nasheed also spoke on the process of establishing democracy in the Maldives. He also expressed confidence that the Maldives would receive support from Finland in consolidating and strengthening democracy in the Maldives.
