His Excellency Johannes Zutt, Regional Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu this morning at the Official Residence of the President, Mulee’aage.

During the meeting, the President expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s continued support to the Maldives and discussed the Government’s ongoing development priorities, including digitalisation and strengthening the energy sector. The President highlighted the importance of continued partnership in advancing these priorities and supporting the country’s broader development goals.

Particular attention was given to expanding renewable energy as part of efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuel and lower the expenditure on fuel imports. The discussion highlighted the need for affordable, reliable and sustainable energy solutions and the potential for greater cooperation in this area.

The discussions also covered opportunities for continued support in the health sector and advancing the development goals of the Maldives. The President underscored the importance of reducing expenditure while ensuring that development efforts remain sustainable and responsive to the country’s long-term needs.

President Dr Muizzu further highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting ongoing and future development projects, noting the important role of the private sector in complementing these efforts.

Regional Vice President Zutt reaffirmed the World Bank’s readiness to support the Maldives in areas where it can provide assistance and noted the potential of renewable energy to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel and associated vulnerabilities.