President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sent a letter to H.E. Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, following the irreplaceable damage caused by the ongoing bushfires.
In his message, President Solih expressed grievance at the loss to Australia’s unique ecosystems and wildlife, as well as human life, homes and property due to the bushfires, describing the destruction as “truly shocking to comprehend.”
Emphasising that Australia has always been a close friend and trusted development partner to the Maldives, the President expressed profound sympathies to the government and people of Australia on behalf of the government and the Maldivian people.
“The damage caused by the fires to habitats, species and the environment of Australia is a bitter global reminder of the effects of human-induced climate change in exacerbating naturally occurring events,” said President Solih in his message.
“The Maldives stands in strong solidarity with the people of Australia and further affirms our willingness to be part of a broader global effort to address the consequences of the climate emergency.” President Solih concluded his letter expressing his sincere wishes for a successful recovery effort.
Australia has been ravaged with a nationwide bushfire emergency, claiming the lives of over 25 people, and burning more than 10 million hectares of land. It has also been estimated that over half a billion animals have been killed in New South Wales alone.
