President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation on global issues.
President Muizzu outlined his administration’s goals to attract foreign investment in digital services, infrastructure, and environmental projects. He emphasized plans to develop Ras Malé into a digital, eco-friendly city and stressed the importance of improving digital access, particularly for the Maldives’ youth, who make up 50% of the population. He emphasised the urgent need to break down barriers preventing full access to global financial platforms, such as PayPal, which he argued would unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Maldivian innovators. The President stressed that enabling seamless access to international markets is a cornerstone of his economic strategy to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Maldives.
Climate change was another key point of discussion. Both leaders acknowledged the existential threat that rising sea levels pose to small island nations. As members of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the Maldives and Singapore share a mutual interest in advocating for stronger global commitments to climate action. President Muizzu reiterated the Maldives’ need for technical support and knowledge sharing in sustainable development, while Minister Balakrishnan affirmed Singapore’s willingness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at climate adaptation and resilience.
Beyond the immediate environmental and economic priorities, the two leaders explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in public housing development, digital trade, and investment in human capital. Minister Balakrishnan expressed keen interest in the Maldives’ push for technological modernization and praised President Muizzu’s vision of positioning the Maldives as a future-ready, tech-driven economy.
Both leaders concluded the meeting with a renewed commitment to fostering deeper diplomatic and economic relations.
