Distinguished members of the Blue Prosperity Coalition, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my honour and privilege to be here today at this agreement signing between the Government of Maldives and the Blue Prosperity Coalition. At the outset I would like to applaud the work that is being done by this coalition in order to safeguard our oceans.

The core values and principles of the Blue Prosperity Coalition resonate with our own. We believe that taking urgent action to protect our oceans is paramount; that economic growth can and must occur in harmony with ocean friendly practices; and that such practices are best understood through comprehensive scientific research and analysis.

For us, protecting the Ocean’s health is an issue linked to our national security. That is why we were so receptive when members of the Blue Prosperity Coalition met with us earlier this year, to discuss implementing collaborative marine scientific research in the Maldives, to help our country better implement measures for sustainable ocean governance.

We are keen on beginning this work soon, and it is my sincere hope that this is the beginning of a long and productive partnership.

Thank you very much.