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UK pledge support to new government of Maldives

UK’s Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN Mark Malloch Brown, has assured Maldives Foreign Minister, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed of the British Government’s support to the new Maldivian Government, according to foreign ministry. The assurances by British Minister were given during a meeting held between the two Ministers, on Wednesday, at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

Lord Malloch-Brown stated that the British Government will provide technical assistance to the Maldivian Government and advocate support for the Maldives through multilateral donors and international financial institutions. He also assured that both countries will continue to work together on issues of mutual concern, including human rights and climate change.

Foreign Minister Shaheed, thanked the British Government for its continued support and cooperation, especially during the democratisation process. He also explained the current economic situation in the country and the challenges being faced by the new Government, as well as the plans for the future.

Foreign Minister Shaheed also met with Michael Foster, Minister for South Asia of the Department for International Development and briefed him on the development needs of the Maldives.

Minister Shaheed is currently visiting London and Brussels to hold dialogue with officials of the British Government and the European Commission to brief them on the current economic situation.

According to foreign ministry, Dr Shaheed after the meeting in London said “there is tremendous international good will towards the efforts of the people in the Maldives to consolidate democracy. I have no doubt that this warmth will translate into concrete assistance at a significant level. I am gratified by the pledges of support by the UK government and its advocacy of assistance to the Maldives. The international community fully understands the concerns and needs of the Maldives at this crucial time.”

During the meeting the Foreign Minister handed over a letter from President Mohamed Nasheed to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Source: Miadhu News