UN Headquarters, New York: Today, Ambassador Ahmed Sareer signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Contributions to the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System, paving the way for the deployment of Maldivian UN military observers and peacekeepers. Signing on behalf of the United Nations, Under-Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous remarked that this was a “momentous day for the Republic of Maldives and the Maldivian people.”
Noting the upcoming Golden Jubilee marking the 50th anniversary of relations between the Maldives and the United Nations, Ambassador Sareer stated that “this agreement marks a new era in relations between the Maldives and the UN. With the maturation of the Maldivian State, we look forward to taking up the mantle of leadership in all of our international endeavors. No matter how small the nation, all have an obligation to maintaining and sustaining the security of populations across the globe.”
As this is the first agreement of its kind for the Maldives, a small contingent of military observers and infantry personnel will be deployed over the next two years. Discussing the unique strengths of the Maldives, USG Hervé Ladsous commented that “Maldives’ experience in protecting its incredibly porous border provides invaluable expertise in addressing modern threats, including the prevention of; piracy, trafficking and maritime conflict.”
The ceremony was also attended by Salim Waheed, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
