President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent trip to New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) cost MVR 2.4 million, which the President’s Office highlighted as half the expense of similar visits by his predecessor.

President Dr Muizzu attended the high-level week of the UNGA from September 20-29. According to the President’s Office, the trip cost MVR 2,455,583.01. Though specific expenses weren’t detailed, comparisons were drawn to former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s visits in 2019 and 2021, which cost MVR 4.1 million and MVR 5.3 million, respectively.

“This visit reflects significantly lower spending compared to the two previous trips,” the President’s Office said in a statement.

During his time in New York, President Dr Muizzu addressed the General Assembly, participated in an open debate at the UN Security Council—marking the first time a Maldivian leader addressed the council—and engaged in several sideline events focusing on key issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and digitalisation.

President Dr Muizzu also conducted bilateral meetings with various heads of state, held a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and connected with the Maldivian community in New York. Additionally, he delivered a lecture at Princeton University as part of the "Dean’s Leadership Series" and visited Google's New York office.