President Mohamed Nasheed has met with DRP-Opposition Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali to confer on the government’s economic reform agenda and set measures to mandate comprehensive tax reform legislations this evening.

Speaking at a Press Conference following the meeting, President Nasheed highlighted upon concerns voiced by the Opposition regarding proposed reforms which have been set to stimulate economic recovery and ensure debt sustainability.

President Nasheed revealed that expenditure in the annual state budget being out of proportion to income, and the budget having a very high level of debt (over 7-8 million dollars) were among concerns raised by Ahmed Thasmeen Ali.

At the Press Conference, President Nasheed answered several press queries on draft legislation presented to the Parliament.

In his remarks, President Nasheed reiterated that a lot of effort is required to foster confidence and develop a successful tax reform system. The President added that the government welcomed opportunities such as this to work with the Opposition, in its efforts to deliver a programme of comprehensive economic and fiscal reform.

On concluding the Press Conferance, the President also announced  withdrawal of the no-confidence motion submitted to the Parliament against Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Governor Fazeel Najeeb. The President further expressed confidence in Fazeel Najeeb’s ability to serve valuably during his tenure as Governor.