MALE, March 13 (HNS) - President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that membership of the Commonwealth had enhanced the reputation of the Maldives around the world, as it had brought a collective dimension to the country’s global interests.

He made the statement in his message on the occasion of the Commonwealth Day 2006.

Opening his message he said that the Maldives celebrated Commonwealth Day and, in doing so, the Maldives’ membership of the Commonwealth family of nations.

He said that now it is twenty-four years since the Maldives joined the Commonwealth.

“Today we renew our commitment to its shared values of tolerance, mutual respect, and equality and to uphold its fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and sustainable socio-economic development,” the President said.

Highlighting on areas which will be attended to he said that: “This year, we pay special attention to the virtues of health and vitality. We recognise that our nations are stronger when there is access to good food, clean water and health living conditions. It is in all our interests to work to provide the highest possible standards for all Commonwealth people.”

The President said that the Membership of the Commonwealth enhances the reputation of Maldives around the world as it brings a collective dimension to our global interests.

“We, in the Maldives, are much stronger knowing that our one voice has the support of fifty-two other nations. We know the Commonwealth is a trusted partner and welcome its style of global diplomacy, which uses the power of consensus to make multilateralism work,” the President said.

Highlighting the Malta summit The President said that: “The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta last year reaffirmed our commitment to each other. As one of the leaders who attended CHOGM, I can say our private discussions were candid and productive. We may have distant partners but our collective ambitions have never been closer.”

“The people of the Maldives can feel confident that through our Commonwealth connections we are stronger. Our solidarity is our strength, our shared values, conventions and institutions provide the platform to build peace and deliver prosperity to our people,” the President said.

“So, in the spirit of solidarity, let us cherish this valuable partnership and celebrate Commonwealth Day 2006,” the President said concluding his message.