UN General Assembly
2006

the realities of the present day. In this regard, the Maldives reiterates its support for the proposal of the group of four on Security Council reform. For the Maldives the next few years will be a crucial period in our national development. As a result of national efforts made with the support of the international community, the Maldives is today set to say goodbye to its least developed country status. The three-year smooth transition period will begin in January 2008. Graduation from the least developed country list will pose numerous challenges to us. However, we look forward to that event as a positive development. We have already begun work with the donor community to identify ways in which the economic and social progress of the country will continue without disruption after graduation. In this regard, I note the successful launching of the Maldives Partnership Forum as an annual event. The first such forum was held in June this year. I wish to thank our donors for their continued commitment to support the development of the Maldives beyond graduation.