H.E. Mr Ameen Faisal, National Security Advisor to the President met with H.E. Mr Atul Khare, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations today at the United Nations.
Speaking at the meeting, H.E. Mr Ameen Faisal expressed the interest of the Republic of Maldives to contribute to United Nations peacekeeping operations by sending military observers to ongoing UN operations. He mentioned that this was in-line with the Maldives’ foreign policy objecrtives to become more actively engaged in international arena. H.E. Mr Khare, speaking on behalf of the United Nations, welcomed the Maldives’ interest in UN peacekeeping operations and recognised the achievements of the Maldives in democratic reforms and human rights in the past few years.
The National Security Advisor also mentioned that the Maldives has been actively seeking opportunities for greater international defence cooperation, which would enhance its ability to contribute to peace and security, both domestically and internationally. He also stated that such an opportunity, to work alongside the international renowned ‘blue helmets’ of United Nations peacekeepers in other countries, would be a very proud achievement for a small state such as the Republic of Maldives. As a first step, the Maldives intends to send a small team of military observers attached to ongoing operations abroad to gain experience and knowledge in concepts of peacekeeping and nation building.
Earlier today, H.E. Mr Ameen Faisal received a comprehensive briefing from the members of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, covering concepts, logistics and legal dimensions of participating in peacekeeping operations.
H.E. Mr Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Permanent Representative to the UN, Brig.Gen. Abdulla Shamaal, Director-General for International Defence Cooperation at the MNDF and Mr Amin Javed Faizal, Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission also participated in today’s meeting.
