Secretary-General (SG) of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), H.E Esala Ruwan Weerakoon has paid a courtesy call on H.E President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The call was held at the President’s Office this afternoon.

President Solih commended SG Weerakoon on his appointment as the new Secretary-General of SAARC and welcomed him to the Maldives. President Solih praised SAARC's work during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the critical role it continues to play in strengthening regional collaboration among member states. He also reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to SAARC cooperation.

The President expressed his desire to collaborate with SAARC in the fight against terrorism and violence against women and girls. He stated that all SAARC member states should work harder to ensure that human rights of each and every one in protected. He also stated that all member states should collaborate to address the climate emergency.

During the meeting, the SG expressed gratitude for the warm welcome. He also congratulated President Solih and the Maldives Football team on their victory in yesterday's SAFF Championship 2021 match, praising the Maldives Team's performance in the SAFF Championship matches. He also commended the Maldives' vaccination programme, saying that the country serves as an example to others when it comes to vaccination.

Concluding the call, the President and SG expressed assurance in further cultivating the existing ties and working together to achieve mutually favourable outcomes.