President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured today that at present, there is no indication that Maldives will face a food or fuel shortage in connection with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at the ongoing press briefing at the President's Office, President Muizzu said that the government is closely monitoring the situation of Maldivian students and other travelers currently in the Middle East, assuring that there is no cause for concern at the moment.
He asserted that the government is working together with all relevant authorities to minimize the impact the conflict will have on the Maldives' economy.
The President noted that as a significant share of tourists travelling to the Maldives transit through Middle Eastern hubs, the ongoing war is greatly affecting the tourism industry. However, the government is working with industry stakeholders on introducing new routes for tourists to visit Maldives through, he added.
"When it comes to fuel, we currently have no concerns regarding fuel. God willing, we have solid arrangements in place for that. So far, there is no indication that we will face a shortage in the coming days, there is no cause for concern yet," the President said.
He further said that Maldives has ensured stable, uninterrupted avenues for importing food supplies.
Today's press conference launches the President's newly promised weekly Monday press briefings announced in this year's Presidential Address.
The escalating conflicts in the Middle East stemming from US and Israel's Saturday attacks on Iran has led to much of the airspace in the Middle East being shut down. This has disrupted air travel, with many flights to and from Maldives as well being cancelled, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.
The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global air travel. While Maldives' economy is heavily dependent on tourism, visitors from Europe and America transit at Dubai and Doha on their travel to Maldives.
President Muizzu has also formed a dedicated Cabinet committee to monitor and manage the implications for the Maldives arising from the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
