The new United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Representative for South Asia, Kristian Hölge, has formally presented his Letter of Appointment to Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel.

Following the presentation, a meeting was held during which Minister Khaleel highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the Maldives and UNODC, and expressed appreciation for the organisation’s continued support. He highlighted UNODC’s role in assisting the Maldives in addressing transnational organised crime, countering terrorism and violent extremism, and strengthening national capacities in law enforcement and justice.

The minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with UNODC to advance preventive strategies, capacity-building initiatives and evidence-based policies that contribute to sustainable peace, security and development in the country.

Regional Representative Hölge, in turn, reaffirmed UNODC’s strong partnership with the Maldives and expressed readiness to further support national priorities. He outlined UNODC’s ongoing and planned programmes, while emphasising the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges across South Asia.

UNODC’s work focuses on combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse, crime prevention, criminal justice reform, counter-terrorism and anti-corruption efforts worldwide.