President Mohamed Nasheed has said that a grand SAARC Festival is being planned in Addu City and Fuvammulah for this year’s SAARC Summit. Reflecting on the progress of the preparations for the summit, the President said that the basic infrastructure required for the development of a city, will be established in these two atolls through the summit.
President Nasheed revealed that the groundwork for the SAARC festival, which is being organized to be held as a carnival, was in motion. He also said that special exhibitions and various cultural events were being planned to be held during the first two weeks of November, during this festival.
In his radio address, the President expressed his optimism that this year’s SAARC Summit would give greater exposure to the developmental projects, possible business ventures and exportable products of the Maldives, within the international community.
The President also detailed on his current visit to the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Switzerland.
During his visit to the UK, the President will deliver the keynote address at an event hosted by former President Mary Robinson of Ireland, on climate change. In Canada, President Nasheed will attend the world premier of a documentary about the Maldives at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. During his visit to France, the President will meet with the French agencies that assist in the development of developing countries. The President will also deliver an address before a High-Level Panel on Peaceful Protests in Switzerland.