Bismillah-ah-rahman-ah-raheem,
Your Excellency Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Foreign Minister of Nepal and Chairperson of the Meeting
Honourable Foreign Ministers,
Secretary-General of SAARC,
Distinguished delegates,
Assalaamu Alaikum and Good Afternoon,
Let me begin by expressing my profound gratitude to the Chair and Foreign Minister of Nepal, for convening this Informal Meeting of SAARC Council of Ministers at a difficult and critical time. I also wish to take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome the new Secretary General of SAARC H.E Mr. Esala Ruwan Weerakoon and thank the former Secretary General, H.E Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial for his leadership and guidance during his tenure as Secretary General of SAARC.
Excellencies,
Unlike the past, this year, we are forced to hold our regular reunion virtually, due to the unprecedented and challenging circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of every nation today is on addressing this invisible enemy. The pandemic while affecting the whole world is also disproportionately affecting the South Asia region.
In this regard, the Maldives applauds the timely initiative by Prime Minister, His Excellency Narendra Modi to convene the Video Conference of SAARC Leaders in March. The Maldives also welcomes the subsequent establishment of the SAARC COVID 19 Emergency Relief Fund to address immediate needs related to combating the virus in this region and follow-up activities.
As His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives noted in his opening remarks at the Leaders Meeting “in times of crises, we do come together”.
Excellencies,
COVID-19 has brought the world to its knees, claiming close to 1 million lives globally and affecting over 32 million people, the likes of which the world hasn’t seen in almost a century. In South Asia, which caters to almost one fourth of the global population, the numbers are staggering. I take this opportunity to offer, on behalf of the people of Maldives and on my own behalf, condolences to the families of those that have lost loved ones.
The Maldives, which is significantly smaller in population, has seen 9,885 cases and 34 deaths to date. Our economy is based on tourism, and the travel bans across many countries has crippled our economy beyond measure. Decades of progress and development have been leveled down to zero in a few months. Except for the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the Maldives has not seen a decline of this level in decades. No doubt, we are facing a long and arduous journey towards economic recovery.
Excellencies,
The Maldives could not have sustained itself nor commenced its recovery efforts without the cooperation and generous assistance from its international, regional and bilateral partners during this crisis. Our deepest gratitude goes to the Government of India for its overwhelming support to the Maldives on multiple fronts. The financial package of US $ 250 million pledged by India is the largest financial support announced by a bilateral partner during COVID 19. With the US $ 1.4 billion received in 2018, and the cash grants for community projects, India is by far the single largest donor to the Maldives. We also thank the Government of Bangladesh for its aid of food, protective equipment and deployment of medical personnel. We thank all member states for their assistance in repatriating our stranded nationals and in numerous other areas.
Excellencies,
Let us take the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to seriously rethink, reorient and strengthen not only our health sectors, but the totality of our development sectors and society. Let us strengthen our preparedness to external shocks, enhance regional connectivity and trade, to make our countries more resilient.
Excellencies,
Time and again, we have stressed that access to quality education is key to unleash the full potential of the SAARC region. In this context, we are pleased to note that Maldives hosted the Third Meeting of SAARC Education Ministers meeting, preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials of Education/Higher Education, from 9 – 10 October 2019.
Today, we are forced to revamp our educational strategies to adapt to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, to ensure the education of our children, youth and future leaders continue uninterrupted.
Excellencies,
Amidst the ongoing pandemic we must not forget the threats of the global climate crisis. This year, many of our member states have faced devastating consequences due to cyclones, heavy rains, catastrophic floods and landslides. These calamities have left in their wake, death and destruction of livelihoods and homes. Increased frequency of extreme weather events as predicted by climate scientists for decades, are now a clear and present danger to the whole world. Therefore, the need to address mitigation and adaptation to climate change through coordinated efforts cannot be emphasized enough.
Excellencies,
The heinous acts of terrorism perpetrated against innocent people continue unabated. Unfortunately, the South Asia region has not been spared. Terrorism is the scourge that has been at the core, hindering development in our region and needs to be eradicated. For without peace and stability in every member state, the region cannot sustain progress and prosperity.
Excellencies,
More than ever, SAARC needs to galvanize and be proactive. As the SAARC Programming Committee prepares to meet later in the year to finalise the Calendar of Activities and budget for the coming year, the Maldives would like to see it being focused on COVID-19 recovery and beyond, with result-based action-oriented activities with limited expenditure.
Mr. Chairman, Excellencies and distinguished delegates,
The year 2020 has shown how unprepared the world is for crises, despite numerous warnings, be it health, natural disasters or economic crashes, among others. But the year 2020 has also shown how resilient we as humans are. Let us keep moving forward.
Thank you.