President Waheed to attend CMAG meeting

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that he will participate in the meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).

The President made this statement at a press conference held prior to his departure to New York this morning, to participate in the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

“Presidents normally don’t participate in CMAG meetings. However we have to remove Maldives from CMAG’s agenda. I am confident that this will be done,” he said.

The CMAG meeting is scheduled for 28 September.

The President said that he will get the chance to meet with senior officials of several countries during this trip, and will try to facilitate various opportunities for the Maldives.

He said that attempts will be made to obtain finance for the budget.

The President will address the UNGA twice during this trip.

“The first instance will be a high level segment on upholding the rule of law, where I’m scheduled to give a speech. And then I will speak at the general debate at the General Assembly, similar to previous years,” he said.

He informed that the main focus of his speech at the General Assembly will be the actions of the international community. He will speak about small nations’ fight to sustain independence and sovereignty, and highlight how bigger nations have treated the Maldives.