Australia announces aid and assistance
for the Maldives
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.