It was a proud for the Maldives to have the opportunity to serve under the presidency of the United Nations, says the 76th UN General Assembly Speaker, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Shahid.
He stated this speaking to local media after handing over his post to the 77th General Assembly.
Shahid said the first foreign policy decision taken by the then rulers of Maldives after gaining independence in 1965, was the building a relationship with the UN. The purpose is to strengthen international relations to ensure the safety and security of small countries like Maldives, he said.
"And on the day we first tried to become a member of the UN, a member questioned whether a small country like Maldives have the capacity to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations of the UN Charter. 57 years later, we have seen today the ambassadors and representatives of 193 countries of the UN stood up and paid tribute to the Maldives, and the national flag." Shahid said.
Shahid also said that he assumed the position of the Speaker of the UNGA at a time when the world was trying to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, along with experiencing several sensitive environmental issues, and the war in Ukraine leading to raise commodity prices in the global food, oil and energy markets. However, even during those difficult times, he said he was very pleased with the efforts UN made to bring the 193 countries together.
He further highlighted that this is the first time in history that a Maldivian has had the opportunity to hold such an honorary position at the UN, and that it was a proud moment for the Maldives to have the opportunity.
Shahid assumed the position of 76th UN General Assembly Speaker, in September last year.
He stated this speaking to local media after handing over his post to the 77th General Assembly.
Shahid said the first foreign policy decision taken by the then rulers of Maldives after gaining independence in 1965, was the building a relationship with the UN. The purpose is to strengthen international relations to ensure the safety and security of small countries like Maldives, he said.
"And on the day we first tried to become a member of the UN, a member questioned whether a small country like Maldives have the capacity to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations of the UN Charter. 57 years later, we have seen today the ambassadors and representatives of 193 countries of the UN stood up and paid tribute to the Maldives, and the national flag." Shahid said.
Shahid also said that he assumed the position of the Speaker of the UNGA at a time when the world was trying to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, along with experiencing several sensitive environmental issues, and the war in Ukraine leading to raise commodity prices in the global food, oil and energy markets. However, even during those difficult times, he said he was very pleased with the efforts UN made to bring the 193 countries together.
He further highlighted that this is the first time in history that a Maldivian has had the opportunity to hold such an honorary position at the UN, and that it was a proud moment for the Maldives to have the opportunity.
Shahid assumed the position of 76th UN General Assembly Speaker, in September last year.
