Maldives this week: 19 - 25 December 2021
Last week's key headlines.
On 25 December, the first test flight landed at Madivaru Airport. The airport construction project was awarded to China's Beijing Urban Construction Group in May 2018.
On 23 December, the Ministry of Transport announced that it will be mandatory to wear seatbelts in four-wheeled vehicles on roads with a speed limits higher than 30kmph, from 1 January 2022.
On 23 December, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina concluded the official component of her visit to the Maldives. The Maldives and Bangladesh signed four agreements durig her visit, which include a Memorandum of Understanding on the Recruitment of Qualified Health Professionals, Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding in the Areas of health Care and Medical Sciences, Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Area of Youth and Sports Development, and an agreement on double taxation avoidance
On 22 December, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina arrived in the Maldives on an official visit at the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
On 22 December, Ambassador of China to the Maldives Wang Lixin paid a courtesy call on Vice President Faisal Naseem. The Vice President gave his assurance of the Maldives' commitment to upholding the One-China principle.
On 22 December, the Maldives Police Service arrested Member of Parliament for Kaashidhoo constituency Abdulla Jabir, on an order issued by the Civil Court on a civil case. The Court released Jabir on the condition that he appear at court hearings and after ordering him to pay outstanding salaries to a staff of his company Yacht Tours.
On 21 December, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced the decision to introduce a National One-Stop Service, to make it easier to obtain government from a single establishment.
On 21 December, Speaker of Parliament and President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed called on the police to halt the 'India Out' campaign, and said that former President Abdulla Yameen's actions will not be acceptable in any modern democracy.
On 21 December, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih designated six naturally unique and eco-rich areas of Laamu Atoll as protected areas.
On 20 December, the Ministries of Health of the Maldives and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening the Maldives' health sector.
On 20 December, State Dignitary Umar Zahir, recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzudin, passed away. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced that the National Flag will be flown at half mast in mourning for three days.
On 20 December, the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure made an announcement seeking developers or financiers for the development of airports in six islands. the developers will be provided islands or lagoons as cross-subsidies.
On 19 December, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a statement expressing profound concern over attempts to spread misguided and unsubstantiated information to propagate hate against India. It said that the campaign was run by a small group of individuals and political personalities.
On 19 December, the President's Office said that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina will be making an official visit to the Maldives from 22 to 23 December.
On 19 December, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine will be delayed as a shipment of special syringes to administer the shots has not been received yet.
On 19 November, President of the Maldives National Party (MNP) Mohamed Nazim said that the 'India Out' campaign was conducted for political objectives, and was an atrocity to hide corruption during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration.
