His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met with President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, His Excellency Jorge Carlos Fonseca, on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The meeting took place at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ) in New York City.
President Fonseca conveyed his congratulations for the Maldives success in the 76th UNGA Presidency election. He noted that it is a proud achievement to the Maldives and a sign of encouragement to other Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Both presidents noted that the Covid-19 situations in both countries have become stable, as the Maldives and Cabo Verde are tourism-reliant countries. They discussed the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on global tourism and highlighted tourism recovery and the steady rise in tourist arrivals in recent months in both countries.
The two Presidents also discussed environmental and climate issues. President Solih emphasised the Maldives' commitment to mitigating and adapting to climate change. President Solih praised President Fonseca's leadership and interest in climate negotiations and expressed his desire to work with the Cabo Verde government at the upcoming COP26. President Solih noted that the two countries face similar challenges as SIDS, and said that it would be valuable to explore the benefits of mutual cooperation and exchange of knowledge.
President Fonseca spoke about the importance of multilateralism to resolve issues involving small states, noting south-south cooperation among SIDS. In this regard, he mentioned debt relief, development financing and boosting commerce as areas that may be promoted in international platforms such as the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
The call ended with both presidents expressing their hope for continued close cooperation to strengthen relations.
The Maldives and Cabo Verde established diplomatic relations on April 23, 2003.
