The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) confirmed Maldives to continue chairmanship of the group for the next two years (2017-2018).
The Maldives has been the chair of AOSIS since January 2015 and worked with the membership of 44 States and observers, drawn from Africa, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Pacific and South China Sea.
Environment minister Thoriq Ibrahim told reporters Tuesday that Seychelles was set to chair the alliance, but instead backed Maldives to continue chairmanship in recognition of its efforts to push the constraints faced by small states in the global stage.
Under the Maldives chairmanship, AOSIS played a significant role in shaping international consensus on the 2030 Development Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement, both were concluded in 2015, minister added.
Foreign minister Dr Mohamed Asim in a statement reiterated Maldives' commitment promoting issues relevant to the small island developing states.
"“It’s an endorsement of the leadership that the Maldives has shown on global issues," the minister was quoted in the statement.
The AOSIS was formed in 1990 following an initiative launched by the Maldives in 1989 at the first ever small states conference held in Kurumba Maldives in November 1989.
Since then the Alliance has been the key global advocate on issues of climate change and sustainable development.
