Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef has stated that tackling corruption is not only a legal responsibility but a moral obligation essential to safeguarding citizens' rights and ensuring the sustainability of key sectors such as tourism.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity 2025, held at Villa Nautica, the Vice President stressed that eliminating corruption is vital for maintaining investor confidence and preserving the Maldives’ reputation as a premier tourism destination.

The two-day forum, attended by over 180 participants – including delegates from OIC member states, government agencies, and international organisations – is jointly organised by the Maldives Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha).

The event, themed "Strengthening Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism Sector," focuses on addressing challenges posed by corruption and advancing transparency in the tourism industry.

The Vice President noted that tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy and the primary driver of foreign investment. He stressed that eliminating corruption risks is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry. He also highlighted the importance of integrity and ethical practices in fostering trust among investors, local communities, and international stakeholders.

The Vice President also called for systems to support whistleblowers and for anti-corruption bodies to remain independent, adequately resourced, and free from political influence. He emphasised that achieving meaningful progress requires active collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society, and international organisations. Effective policies, continuous monitoring, and enforcement were also noted as key components in the fight against corruption.

Secretary General of the OIC, Hissein Brahim Taha, also addressed the forum, stating that corruption is a global challenge and forums like this demonstrate the shared commitment of OIC member states to tackle it. He encouraged stronger collective efforts in combating the issue across all sectors.

In recognition of his commitment to integrity and mutual cooperation, the Vice President was presented with a Token of Appreciation by His Excellency Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Corruption Authority.