Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Investigation Team, have paid a courtesy call on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. At the meeting held at the President’s Office this morning, Leader of the Investigation Team, Hon. Shimba expressed his gratitude to President Yameen for the warm hospitality conveyed to the Team since their arrival in the Maldives. He also briefed the President on Japan’s ODA initiative, noting the high priority assigned to ensuring human security and infrastructural development under this programme. Furthermore, Hon. Shimba recalled the longstanding ODA affiliations with the Maldives.
In this regard, President Yameen highlighted that the biggest challenge faced by the Government is delivering appropriate responses to the myriad of development issues posed by climate change. The President stated that a large percentage of the Government’s annual budget is devoted to the provision of vital infrastructure to island communities, amidst environmental threats such as beach erosion and seasonal climatic occurrences.
During the meeting, President Yameen elaborated on the Government’s plans to implement sustainable socioeconomic measures, in order to counter these developmental challenges. Within this context, he noted the high priority assigned by his Government to the re-development of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, as well as the development of a ‘Youth City’, which is designed to encourage migration to urban areas as a population reconsolidation initiative. He went on to note that the migration of the youthful working-age population to Hulhumale’ is intended to relieve some of the pressures away from the outlying islands and provide employment, housing, sports and recreation, and higher learning opportunities for young families. He went on to stress efforts undertaken by the Government to ensure shore protection of Maldivian island communities, and the establishment of safe and efficient waste disposal facilities across the nation.
The visiting Parliamentary delegation thanked the President for his valuable input, and assured the Government of Japan’s commitment to continue providing developmental support to the Maldives. They underscored the importance of all island communities speaking with a single voice on issues of climate change on the international stage, and encouraged the Maldives to take a leadership role in promoting the welfare of small island developing states.
President Yameen was joined at this morning’s meeting by Hon. Dunya Maumoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mohamed Hussain Shareef, Minister at the President’s Office, Hon. Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Environment and Energy, Ms Fathimath Inaya, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Ubaidulla Ali, Director at the President’s Office.
