H.E. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met on Sunday with H.E. Dr Lazarus Chakwera, the President of Malawi and current Chair of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha, Qatar.
Speaking with Dr Chakwera, President Solih praised him for his role as the chair of the LDCs, his efforts in defending the interests of LDCs, and its priorities on various platforms. Dr Chakwera expressed pleasure at meeting President Solih and his attendance at the summit.
Speaking about the Maldives' journey from being one of the least developed countries to upper-middle income country status, the President emphasised the country's challenges and hardships, particularly during the worst days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Referring to the Maldives' experience, the President stressed the significance of advocating for and securing smooth transition procedures for those graduating, including fairer graduation assessments.
Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties during the meeting, including increasing trade between the two countries to expand economic cooperation and enhance people-to-people contact. They also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism.
The President noted that the Maldives and Malawi share common concerns in the international arena. He then assured that the Maldives would join Malawi in advocating for sustainable development, poverty eradication, and climate change in international forums.
The Maldives and Malawi established diplomatic relations on September 24, 2022.
