The Australian government announced today a new package of aid and assistance for the Maldives, including money for schemes such as coastal protection and renewable energy and new scholarships for Maldivians wishing to study in Australian universities. 

The assistance package includes AUS 500,000 (US$ 425,000) to help the Maldives adapt to climate change and reduce carbon emissions, AUD 300,000 to support civil society groups and AUD 230,000 to support the Maldives national qualification framework. 

Australia also announced that it would help strengthen education, environment, science, health, governance and public administration in the Maldives as well as support capacity-building for the country’s fledgling democratic institutions. 

Australia also said it will offer 25 scholarships in the 2011 intake, for Maldivian students to study in Australian universities.

During a joint press conference on Thursday between President Nasheed and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, held at Parliament House in Canberra, the Australian Prime Minister said: 

“This is about helping the Maldives build a better future for itself. Although a small country, [the Maldives] are a part of the family of democracies around the world, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with them as a fellow democracy.”

Prime Minister Rudd described President Nasheed as a “strong leader” and “a champion of human rights and democracy”.

The Prime Minister said that President Nasheed’s visit was the “first state visit to Australia by a democratically elected President of the Maldives.” 

Prime Minister Rudd added that President Nasheed “has been a strong friend of Australia, a strong collaborator with Australia in the lead up to, and during, Copenhagen on practical global action on climate change, and I would salute his leadership on that.”

“He has championed the consolidation of democracy within his country. Democracy has not always been the prevailing political condition within the Maldives. He has shown courageous leadership in ensuring that democracy remains entrenched within his country, and we work with him in continuing to consolidate the democratic project there,” said the Prime Minister.

“President Nasheed, you come to Australia as a friend; you come to Australia, indeed, as a partner as we tackle the common challenges of our region and the world,” Prime Minister Rudd added. 

At the joint press conference, the President thanked Prime Minister Rudd for “the good work done” at Copenhagen and said that Prime Minister Rudd is “one of the most important voices and intelligent people working [on climate change].”

Commenting on the President’s trip to Australia, Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair said: 

“This prestigious trip has enhanced our relations with Australia and added to the Maldives’ importance on the world stage. It has also helped deliver a significant and valuable package of assistance for our country.”

Press Secretary Zuhair noted that the Australian government will pay for most of the costs incurred during the visit: “We have paid for our air tickets to Australia but the Australians have kindly agreed to pay for all other expenses.”

The Australian assistance packed announced today is in addition to support already pledged by Australia during the Maldives Donor Conference in March.