Maldives stands ready to forge stronger bonds, share expertise, and work hand in hand toward a resilient and prosperous Indian Ocean Region, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef said on Friday.
He made these remarks at the opening of the ‘China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation'. This is the second edition of the high-level official development cooperation forum, a joint venture between China and the countries of the Indian Ocean Region.
Speaking at the forum, Hussain emphasized that since it graduated from the list of LDCs in 2011, the Maldives has sought to strengthen its partnerships in the Indian Ocean and beyond to contribute to peaceful co-existence and prosperity in the region.
He added that the Maldives has continuously favored dialogue, cooperation, peaceful coexistence, and close collaboration regionally and globally to achieve common goals.
He further stated that China has been crucial to the Maldives' recent development and highlighted the two countries' solid shared commitment to a people-centric strategy, aiming to promote social development, peace, and prosperity.
The Vice President underscored that the Maldives understands the severe impact of marine disasters, climate change, global warming, and coastal erosion.
He stated that these are related to the livelihood of the Maldivian people as the nation depends on marine resources and the blue economy, including the tourism and fisheries industries dependent on a healthy ocean.
Concluding his remarks, Hussain stated that he was confident that the forum would provide a valuable platform to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and collectively shape the future of the region.
