The visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Hon. Murray McCully has paid a courtesy call on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. The meeting was held this afternoon at the President’s Office.
Highlighting four decades of bilateral ties, the President and the Foreign Minister of New Zealand exchanged views on further strengthening ties in the time ahead. Noting the high importance both countries attached towards raising the voice of small island developing states, they emphasized the importance of the upcoming UN SIDS Meeting in Samoa early next month. Discussions also focused on close cooperation on the global arena, including the Commonwealth.
The President welcomed Foreign Minister McCully to the Maldives and assured of his Government’s commitment to forging strong ties with New Zealand. Among the issues that were highlighted for future cooperation were sustainable fisheries management, sports and environmental sustainability and renewable energy.
The visiting Foreign Minister of New Zealand spoke on the beauty of the Maldives and the policy of the New Zealand Government to support and encourage sustainable development initiatives of small island states including the Maldives.
President Yameen was joined at the call by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dunya Maumoon, Minister at the President’s Office, Hon. Mohamed Hussain Shareef and Foreign Secretary, Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed.
