UNGA Presidency elevates our leverage at international stage: Maldives President Solih

India was the first country to extend support to Maldives' candidature. The announcement was first made during Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla's Maldives visit in November.

New Delhi: President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has welcomed the presidency of his country at the United Nations General Assembly and during the Independence day speech said that it elevates "our leverage on the international stage." Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid has been elected as the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for its 76th session.   He explained, "Our policies to preserve the independence of the Maldives and sustaining diplomatic relations while honoring the independence of other nations played an instrumental role in the recent election" to UNGA. Shahid got a whopping 143 votes in the 193 strong body. The tenure of the post is one year and is a prestigious one due to authority over the working of the General Assembly. India was the first country to extend support to Maldives' candidature. The announcement was first made during Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla's Maldives visit in November. Again during the visit of EAM Jaishankar's visit to the Maldives in February of 2021, India reiterated its continued backing for his candidature.