Agreement with China on eradicating diseases affecting palm trees classified

Feb 18, 2024, 6:32 AM
Palm trees in Kaashidhoo island. -- Photo: Adhadhu

Palm trees in Kaashidhoo island. -- Photo: Adhadhu

An agreement signed with China to work together to eradicate diseases affecting palm trees in Maldives has been classified.

The agreement was among the 20 agreements penned during a state visit by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and a government delegation to China in January.

The President's Office declined to provide details of the agreement when requested by Adhadhu under the Right to Information Act.

"The information requested is not disclosable at this time under Articles 25, 30 and 31 of the Act," the President's Office said.

The Articles referred to by the government are Article 25 on Trade Information, Article 30 on General Economic Interest and Article 31 on Policy Formulation and Administration. These Articles describe the circumstances in which information may be kept confidential under the Public Interest and Exemptions.

Additionally, the government has also classified the four agreements signed by the Economic Ministry with China.

The classification of the four agreements signed by the Maldives Economic Ministry comes after China also refused to disclose further details of the 20 agreements signed during the President's visit.

Despite China's refusal to provide details, the Maldives government previously said it will disclose details of the agreements signed with China. However, a specific date was not provided.

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