"We cannot allow another genocide to repeat. Not on our watch" Minister Asim tells the United Nations

Sunday, 24 September 2017 00:44

23 September 2017, New York, Minister Asim called on the international community to end the grave human rights violations and injustices taking place in Myanmar, Palestine and Syria. The Minister made these remarks at the General Debate of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking on the situation of Rohingya Muslims in Myamar, Minister Asim stated that systemic violence, including massacres, forced displacement and ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims are alarming. The Minister further stressed that those responsible for these barbaric actions must be brought to justice swiftly and the acts of prejudice, violence, and that discrimination against Rohingya Muslims must end.

The Minister reiterated the Maldives call for an independent, sovereign State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, established along the 1967 borders, and called to end the violations taking place in the Palestine territories.  Minister also called to end the war crimes, inhuman treatment and suffering in Syria.

"Instilling fear of "the other" is easy.  Determining "them" as worth less – due to their religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, Islamaphobia, or whatever the reason – is a short step away. When this happens, it is easy to ignore grave violations, easier to even encourage them. It is then, and only then, we see – and we have seen – the worst of humanity", noted the Minister.

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Maldives hosts a high-level side-event on “Securing a Future for the Oceans: Leveraging Sustainable Fisheries and the Conservation of Marine Resources”

Sunday, 24 September 2017 00:42

23 September 2017, New York, The Maldives co-hosted a high-level side-event entitled “Securing a Future for the Oceans: Leveraging Sustainable Fisheries and the Conservation of Marine Resources” with Palau, Norway and FAO at the sidelines of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly this afternoon.

The side event served as an important platform to engage in dialogue to demonstrate how sustainable fisheries can be economically viable and be in harmony with the conservation of marine resources, and generate policy recommendations to realize the outcomes of the Oceans Conference and SDG 14 in general.

The Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Shainee moderated the Side-event. Minister Shainee also delivered a keynote speech at the event. In his statement, Minister Shainee stressed the importance of bringing together like-minded stakeholders on this issue to reflect on the challenges and promote healthy oceans.

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'The Threat of Climate Change is very real', says Minister Asim at UNGA

Sunday, 24 September 2017 00:39

23 September 2017, New York, The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim, while speaking at the General Debate of the United Nations Seventy Second Session, stated that unpredictable weather, more frequent and intense natural disasters, unprecedented temperatures, are the norm rather than exception. He emphasized on the importance of cooperation, partnership and leadership in tackling the challenges faced by Climate Change and reiterated the commitment of Maldives to continue its leadership and efforts on this regard.

Minister Asim also briefed on the work carried at the national level to transition to a low carbon economy and informed that the Maldives, as the Chair of AOSIS, and in collaboration with IRENA, has launched the Initiative for Renewable Island Energy (IRIE), which will facilitate support for Small Island States in their transition to renewable energy, and in achieving energy efficiency. Minister added that the Maldives is looking at innovative approaches to fulfil the developmental needs of the people that do not compromise the needs of the planet.

Minister Asim further underscored the importance of ocean conservation by using sustainable methods to utilize its resources. "Climate change, sustainable development, and the protection of our ocean – these are not trends or passing fascinations – inaction would cost us our progress, prosperity, and the lives of our people – the future of all our nations" he said. In his speech, Minister noted the sustainable pole-and-line fishing methods of Maldives as well as the numerous measures undertaken for ocean conservation and protection. The Maldives has recently assumed the Chairmanship of the "Save Our Sharks" Coalition.

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Minister Shainee meets with the Attorney General, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize

Sunday, 24 September 2017 00:34

22 September 2017, New York, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize, Mr. Wilfred Elrington.

During the meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters this morning, both Ministers discussed on strengthening the close bilateral ties between Belize and Maldives.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Seventy-Second Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

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Minister Asim meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis

Sunday, 24 September 2017 00:31

22 September 2017, New York, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Mark Anthony Brantley, this morning.

At a meeting held at the United Nations headquarters, both Ministers discussed on enhancing cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

The Meeting was held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

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