Ref: 2024/PR/345
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdhulla Khaleel has concluded a successful visit to Samoa to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held on from 22 to 26 October 2024 in Apia.
The Maldives delegation to CHOGM was headed by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Minister Dr. Khaleel accompanied the Vice President at key high-level engagements during the meeting, including the Executive Sessions, and bilateral engagements.
Minister Dr. Khaleel also participated in the Pre-CHOGM Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Meeting and the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States, where he called for collective action to address the pressing challenges faced by Commonwealth nations, particularly the Small States. In line with this CHOGM’s theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth”, he advocated for innovative solutions for climate resilience, reform of international financial architecture and sustainable debt management frameworks to enhance the resilience of Small States, and Small Island Developing States.
The Maldives was announced as the co-chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States to be held in 2026, reflecting a strengthened role for Maldives in championing the interests of the Small States.
Minister Dr Khaleel held several bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from across the Commonwealth. During these meetings, Minister Dr. Khaleel emphasized the urgency of coordinated efforts in addressing the global challenges. He further assured the Maldives’ commitment to strengthen partnerships within the Commonwealth countries to contribute to the shared prosperity of the Commonwealth community. Discussions also included enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Participation at CHOGM signifies and reinforces Maldives’ commitment to multilateralism. The Maldives engagement garnered renewed support from the Commonwealth community to advance the Maldives priorities.
ENDS