Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

During the meeting, VP Hussain highlighted the impact of climate change on the Maldives, saying it is a reality the country faces every day and continues to affect its development.

The Vice President also thanked Guterres for his advocacy on climate change and issues affecting small island developing states (SIDS).

VP Hussain outlined the Maldives’ priorities at the General Assembly, including strengthening climate resilience, ensuring debt sustainability and implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).

Other priorities raised during the meeting included advancing the interests of SIDS and reforming the United Nations.

Guterres expressed solidarity with the Maldives and acknowledged the particular challenges the country faces as a result of climate change.

The UN secretary-general reiterated the organiztion’s commitment to supporting more ambitious global climate action and working with the Maldives to address the impacts of climate change.

The two leaders also discussed recent regional developments, including the situation in Palestine.